A year ago we were in the midst of the massive Armor will remain the centerpiece of future mobile buildup in Saudi Arabia, dubbed Operation DESERT combined arms operations, and the centerpiece of SHIELD. The subsequent battle of annihilation Armor will be, as today, the armor crewman and placed Operation DESERT STORM in the history cavalry scout. The Chief of Armor’s look down the books and smote the Babylon lion with the most road will conclude with part II in the November-De- thorough thrashing those books have ever de- cember issue. scribed. We didn’t expect so much as a meow to come from the banks of the Tigris for a long time to I commend to you the article, “Bravo Company come. Goes to War.” SSG Jeffrey Dacus, USMCR, tells the story of B Company, 4th Marine Tank Battalion, Yet, as this issue goes to press, it seems apparent which activated for the Persian Gulf, deployed, trans- that Saddam’s lessons learned task force has failed itioned from M6OAls to MIAls, then fought its way its mission, because he has once again gotten to Kuwait City. Not only is this a great commenda- everyone’s attention by hindering the UN inspection tion for the Marine Corps Reserve tankers who com- teams. Not a smart move, but consider the source. prise B Company, but it is a screaming endorsement How then can we assume that DESERT STORM of the MIA1 MBT -that a group of farmers, plumb- lessons reached other potential regional ers, and teachers can learn a new tank weeks or threatmongers? We can’t, which is why we must days before fighting it in combat. think in terms of the mythological Roman god, Janus, with one face firmly on the past, while the Do not overlook the remainder of the issue. CPT other gazes steadfastly toward the future. We must A.A. Puryear and LT Gerald Haywood narrate the not forget the lessons of the past, yet we cannot fall events of 213 ACR‘s hasty attack on the Ar into the trap of preparing to fight the next war as we Rumaylah Airfield; 1LT Charles Gameros provides fought the last. Armies tend to do both at different an insightful analyses of HMMWVs vs. Bradleys, and times, with soldiers paying the bills. which is better for different scout missions; 1LT John Hyatt sends us his views on the scout use of LAV- This issue attempts to fulfill the image of Janus. 25s; MAJ John Faulconbridge discusses the com- Major James M. Milano digs back to WWI and WWll pany XO’s role in tactical operations; and former to see how Erwin Rommel took lessons from his Armor Branch Chief COL Stephen E. Wilson lays the WWI command experience at the small unit level personnel and assignment cards on the table in “Ru- and applied them on a much grander level in North minations of a Branch Chief.” Don’t miss this import- Africa in WWII. ant article.

This issue’s other face is embodied in the Chief of Finally, we salute the 5th Armored Division on its Armor’s “Commander’s Hatch” column, which im- 50th Anniversary. Some 46 years ago, the soldiers parts MG Foley’s vision of our branch beyond the of the “Victory Division” were the first to break onto turn of the century. Once you consider the possibili- German soil. ties, the concepts are at once startling and exciting. - PJC

By Order of the Secretary of the Army: Olficial: GORDON R. SULLIVAN PATRICIA P. HICKERSON General, United States Army Brigadier General, United States Army Chief of Staff The Adjutant General The Professional Development Bulletin of the Armor Branch PB- 17-91-5

Editor-in-Chief Features MAJOR(P) PATRICK J. COONEY 9 Bravo Company Goes to War Managing Editor by Staff Sergeant Jeffrey R. Dacus, USMCR JON T. CLEMENS 16 Ar Rumaylah Airfield Succumbs To Hasty Attack Commandant by Captain A. A. Putyear and Lieutenant Gerald R. Haywood, II MG THOMAS C. FOLEY 21 Scout HMMWVs and Bradley CFVs: Gulf War Provides a Comparison of Scout Vehicles and MTOEs ARMOR (ISSN 0004-2420) is published bimonthly by the US. Army Armor Center, 4401 by First Lieutenant (P) Charles W. Gameros, Jr. Vine Grove Road, Fort Knox, KY 401 21. 26 How Rommel Applied Lessons Learned in WWI Disclaimer: The information contained in To His Afrika Korps Operations in WWll ARMOR represents the professional opinions of by Major James M. Milano the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official Army or TRADOC position, nor does it 30 5th AD, the "Victory Division," change or supersede any information presented Was First to Fight on German Soil in other official Army publications. Official distribution is limited to one copy for 32 The LAV-25 in the Scout Role each armored brigade headquarters, armored by First Lieutenant (P) John Alan Hyatt cavalry regiment headquarters, armor battalion headquarters, armored cavalry squadron head- 34 The Mk 19 MOD 3 Grenade Machine Gun on the M1 and A113 quarters, reconnaissance squadron head- by Captain Andrew Harvey and Sergeant First Class Robert Firkins quarters, armored cavalry troop, armor company, and motorized brigade headquarters of the 36 The Company XO's Role In Tactical Operations United States Army. In addition, Army libraries, by Major John W. Faulconbridge Army and DOD schools, HQ DA and MACOM staff agencies with responsibility for armored, 38 The Soul of Armor (Poem) direct fire, ground combat systems, by Captain Gregory M. Smith organizations. and the training of personnel for such organizations may request two copies by 39 The Muzzle Boresight Device, Where Have We Gone? sending a military letter to the editor-in-chief. by Staff Sergeant Michael G. Cover Authorized Content: ARMOR will print only 41 Ruminations of a Branch Chief those materials for which the U.S. Army Armor by Colonel Stephen E. Wilson Center has proponency. That proponency includes: all armored, direct-fire ground combat systems that do not serve primarily as infantry Departments carriers; all weapons used exclusively in these systems or by CMF 19-series enlisted soldiers; 2 Letters any miscellaneous items of equipment which 2 Contacts armor and armored cavalry organizations use exclusively; training for all SC 12A, 126, and 3 Commander's Hatch 12C officers and for all CMF-19-series enlisted 7 Driver's Seat soldiers; and information concerning the training, 50 Bustle Rack logistics, history, and leadership of armor and 52 Books armored cavalry units at the brigaddregiment level and below, to indude Threat units at those levels. Material may be reprinted, provided credit is given to ARMOR and to the author, except where copyright is indicated.

September-October 1991, Vol. C No. 5 lots and mwmembers were not simihrly Let's Bring Consistency recognized when involved in the very same NCO Career Progresslon: fire fights and exposed similar dangers. To Combat Badge Awards to How It's Supposed to Work I've served both as an aviation battalion Dear Sir: commander and an armor battalion com- Dear sir: Having served in Vitnam as an OH4 mander and wear the Master Aviator In the July-August 1991 issue of ARMOR, aerial scout platoon commander involved Badge with pride. However, wearing a SFC Wells wrote a letter discussing his with cavalry operations, I would support combat branch badge similar to my infanby concern about career progression of mas- combat badges for the combat arms comrades-in-arms would be suitable and ter gunners. Specifically, SFC Wells feels branches similar to the Combat lnfanby deserving recognition for combat veteran that master gunners are disadvantaged Badge. aviators, tankers, and cavalrymen. when considered for promotion to master sergeant, because their specialized training In mOse air cavalry squadrons, infantry- CHARLES R. RAYL and unique career patterns often preclude men of the aerial rifle platoon were COL, Kansas ARNG them serving as platoon sergeants. His awarded the CIB. Air cavalry scouts and Troop Command Commander the air cavalry gunner and life platoon pi- Wichita, Kan. Continued on Page 51

ARMOR Editorial Offices US. ARMY ARMOR SCHOOL Editor-in-Cbief Commandant (ATZK-CG) Major (P) Patrick J. Cooney 2249 MG Thomas C. Foley 2121 Managing Editor Assistant Commandant (ATSB-AC) Jon T. Clemens 2249 BG James L. Noles 7555 Editorial Assistant Vivian Thompson 2610 Deputy Assistant Commandant (ATSB-DAC) Production Assistant COL Dwight A. Beck 1050 Mary 2610 Command Sergeant Major Contributing Artist CSM Jake Fryer 4952 SPC Jody Harmon 2610 Maintenance Department (ATS B-MA) COL Phares E. Noyes 8346 MAILING ADDRESS: ARMOR ATTN: ATSB-AM, Fort Knob KY 40121-5210. Command and Staff Department (ATSB-CS) COL J. W. Thurman 5855 ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: To improve speed and accu- racy in editing, manuscripts should be originals or clear copies, either Weapons Department (ATSB-WP) typed or printed out double-spaced in near-letterquality printer mode. COL E. G. Fish II 1055 We also accept stories on 5-1/4" floppy disks in Multihhate. Directorate of Training Developments (ATSB-TD) Wordstar, MicdWORD, WordPerfect. XyWrite. Xerox Writer, COL Joseph D. Molinari 7250 and ASCII (please include a double-spaced printout). Please tap cap- tions to any illustrations suhnitted. Directorate of Combat Developments (ATSB-CD) COL Edward A. Bryla 5050 PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS: Report delivery problems or changes of address to Ms. Connie Bright, circulation manager, P.O. NCO Academy/Drill Sergeant School (AIZK-NC) Box 607, Ft. Knox. Ky. 40121 or call (502)942-8624, FAX (502) CSM John J. Beck 5150 942-6219. Reserve Component Spt Div (ATZK-FIE) DISTRIBUTION Report delivery problems or LTC William S. Richards 5953 changes of address to Ms. Mary Hager, DSN 464-2610; Eommercid: Directorate of Total Armor Force (A'IZK-TF) (502)624-2610. Requests to be added to the free distributioa list Readiness FAX - 7585 should be in the form of a letter to the Editor-in-Chief. COL Dennis H. Long 7809 ARMOR HOTLINE - DSN 464TANK TRADOC System Manager .Ah Cnr A rmnrd P-mu Cvrtnm (The Armor Hotline is a 24hrservice to provide assistana. -.-. .V. IX..1.V._" UY.. ",UC&." (ATSB-TS) qoesticns concerning doarine, training. organizations. and equipment COL Eugene D. Colgan 7955

2 ARMOR - Septentber-October 1991

L MG Thomas C. Foley Commanding General US. Army Armor Center

t

An Armored Force For The Future 2000 And Beyond - Technology (Part I)

At the Armor Center last year, as re- Airhd Operations process - we ing, leader development, and materiel. ported earlier, we began an internal foresaw the rise of regional conflict Over 200 representatives of the uni- study dubbed Armor 2000. We saw and the challenge to project annored formed Army, the Army’s civilian only a relatively small portion of the forces in contingency conflicts. Also, leadership, and the industrial sector changes that have remade the world in we completed a very thorough relook reviewed and commented on the doc- recent years, months, and weeks. The at potential threats, including a nation- ument. The vast majority of the com- decline of the Warsaw Pact was clear, by-nation, and region-by-region exam- ments have been integrated into the and we received a new azimuth from ination of stability, policy, potential evolving product. the revised national strategy statement for conflict, danger to U.S. interests, and the chief of staff‘s January 1990 and the role of armored forces in any In this article, I want to focus on white paper. This was made more outbreak of hostilities. Our conclu- materiel aspects of our long-range vi- clear on 2 August 1990 when the sion, which turned out to be pro- sion. Let me begin with those things president announced the dimensioris phetic, was that potential for U.S. in- that make the formation of a reliable of a new strategy. Ironically, this was volvement in armored warfm existed vision more difficult. Perhaps the the very day Saddam Hussein in many parts of the world. DESERT most basic uncertainty is in the realm launched his fateful attack. SHIELD and DESERT STORM vali- of the threat. It is not that there are no dated many of our conclusions. potential enemies. There indeed are. Even before DESERT SHIELD and As we see in Eastern Europe, the po- DESERT STORM we published our At this year’s Armor Conference in tential for conflict in a multi-polar Armor 2000 white pap - on the May, we published a full Armor world is arguably increasing. But a 50th anniversary of our Armored Branch operational concept, address- nation so used to focusing on a single, Force. In this paper - published ing the branch’s future needs in the mammoth, openly hostile opponent, under the umbrella of the TRAMX: areas of doctrine, organizations, train- fmds it very difficult to be imuressed ARMOR - September-October 1991 3 by an array of diverse, relatively weak by any measure a tremendous return Perhaps of most significance is the nations, whose intentions are not on investment. It is no wonder that so continually growing role of technol- openly hostile and, perhaps most im- many consider Armor to be special. It ogy and technological innovation in portant, cannot directly threaten our is interesting that virtually every na- the nature of the battle and the battle- national survival. tion authorizes its armor force to wear field. To see the full dimension of that a special beret. assertion, I encourage each of you to There is a declining consensus for read the newly published TRADOC the need for military forces in compe- Our need, as an Army, for total obli- Pamphlet 525-5, which lays out the tition with domestic programs. As the gational authority for research, devel- AirLand Operations concept for the newspapers tell us, the collapse of the opment, and acquisition, vastly ex- future battlefield. Technology drives “Monday coup” in the Soviet Union ceeds what DA expects to have avail- the key differences. Specifically, the reopened demands for a larger peace able. Further cuts will result in more emerging ability to locate and destroy dividend at the expense of combat and more critical systems becoming enemy units and individual vehicles forces and readiness. That erosion unresourced. This whole climate of will lead to wide dispersion of forces places even our projected force and uncertainty, which begins with threat on both sides. In addition, the climb- funding cuts in the uncertainty col- credibility and national resolve trans- ing expense of maintaining modem umn. We may not yet have a good lated into force structure and funding, armies as well as arms limitation feel for how far down the bottom is. places all of our fielding and modem- agreements will work to reduce force ization strategies into massive uncer- levels. The result will be a battlefield Some may not be aware of the cur- tainty. For example, in 1990 we for- totally lacking in the continuity of for- rent projected cuts. One way to look mulated an Army position that we ward lines or locked-in flanks. at the builddown of Armor is to would forego M1A2 production, ex- count the number of battalion-size cept for 62 systems, in order to pre- Instead, we will see an array of wide units. The good news is the addition serve the Armor Systems Moderniza- separation between opponents and of two light armor battalions and pos- tion Program with the Block III tank among forces of the same side, a bat- sibly three light cavalry squadrons in in the lead - then planned for 1998 tlefield on which tenain declines in a light cavalry regiment. All will add fielding. At that time we accepted a importance, and focus nmws on air-delivered punch to quick deploy- five-year window of risk. That posi- enemy destruction. We will see a ing contingency forces like the XVIII tion may still be the right option. But cycle of overlapping stages of finding Airborne Corps. The not-so-good we must now realize that the very ear- the enemy, engaging him with long- news is the projected loss of 15 tank liest we can expect the Block 111 main range fires, and then maneuvering to battalions, two squadrons of division battle tank is now 2003, and our risk destroy the remnants of his force. cavalry, and one complete armored extends to 10 years with no clear-cut cavalry regiment. In all, a 25 percent stopping point. All of these things pulled together loss in units. At present, the strength give me a reliable basis to build a vi- of our branch in the Active Army is With all of that uncertainty there are sion of Armor’s future. I foresee noth- expected to drop by more than 9OOO a few things on which we can hang ing in the future that displaces Armor officers and troopers. our hats. The potential for conflict re- as the centerpiece of the combined mains high. In May 1990, I said the arms team. Other branches and their It surprises many that Armor is so same thing at the &or Conference systems are playing a greater role in small a branch. We are currently the and even cited haq as just one exam- attrition than ever before, but it is still eighth largest of the Army’s 16 ple of potential conflict. Large stores the presence of main battle tanks that branches, and comprise only 4.4 per- of armored weapons are still out there defines the decisive phase of combat. cent of the Active Army. We offer, in the hands of nations capable of In DESERT STORM not one enemy however, an excellent return on in- threatening OUT interests. And, for the element withdrew one meter until the vestment; from that tiny fraction most part, we are the only nation left arrival of tanks and the rest of the ar- comes mm than 40 percent of the capable to deter them, or, if necessary, mored ground force. Then and only ground maneuver battalions. And if to form the bulk of a coalition to de- then did the enemy realize that he you accept the combat power scores feat them. In almost every conceiv- must fight, surrender or flee. used by the Combined Arms Center able case we can expect the challenge and the Command and General Staff of massive movement of forces and Likewise, I see no reduction in the College, we provide about 70 percent the building of a logistics base with importance of cavalry and scouts. Se- of the Army’s combat power. This is little warning.- curity of our force and mise infor- 4 ARMOR - September-October 7997 mation on the enemy and terrain will First, let’s look at the main battle used in main battle tank roles in those only become more important on a tank. We need a lethal, deployable, contingencies when and where the non-linear battlefield, but, at the same and reliable system that will continue main battle tank has not arrived or has time, all of these changes dictate a to be the primary offensive weapon to been committed elsewhere. partial shift in the focus of the Armor close with and destroy the enemy on Force. The need for rapid deployabil- the future battlefield. To provide such In order to defeat all future threat ity on short notice demands that an in- a system will require the integration tanks, we want a main battle tank creasing portion of our force be built of a number of advanced technology with greatly improved target acquisi- around air-deliverable combat vehi- designs. It must be user friendly, both tion, data processing, and artificial in- cles. in terms of protecting its crew and in telligence capabilities, and an im- terms of easing its crew’s burden dur- proved main armament system. Our declining active force strength ing extended continuous operations. tells us that our Reserve Component Our analyses have identified that an armor battalions will be an indispens- We at the Armor School still recog- advanced fire control system is essen- able component of our force, espe- nize the need for a reliable means to tial because it will enable our crews to cially if we ever again launch an oper- defeat kinetic energy munitions. We execute their duties in a more efficient ation as large as DESERT STORM. are looking anxiously for armor tech- and effective manner on the battle- nologies and concepts that will meet field The fm control systems of the Just as RD&A funds are declining, our requirements for vehicle and crew future must be able to detect targets so will training dollars. Our challenge protection. But, I believe we have independently of gunner control or will be to maintain and enhance the reached the limit on how much we input. In addition to detecting the tar- readiness of both the AC and RC with can rely on passive armor alone to do get, the fire conml system must have less actual maneuver and less live fire. the job. We must fully recognize all the capability to acquire, identify, I am also certain that the quality of’ of the contributors to increasing sur- track, prioritize, and engage the target, weapons our soldiers will face will vivability. We need lighter armors all with limited input from the gunner continue to increase. We must main- that outperform the armors of today. or crew. Voice activated systems may tain the edge by insuring our domi- Armor packages that are tunable to be one of the ways in which the crew nance on any battlefield in crucial the threat as well as being modular can do its job in a more efficient man- armor systems, as well as in those and easy to install are needed. One ner. The system must also be able to systems that protect and support them. concept that merits special consider- describe targets to the crew down to ation is “mission packages,” which the detail of type of target and the op But more than with any other com- can be added to the vehicle for mis- timum aimpoint. Ideally, all the crew ponent of the vision, I remain abso- sion or threat-specific protection. or gunner should be required to do is lutely convinced that neither technol- to tell the system whether or not to ogy nor shifting national strategy re- Our concept and requirements for engage a given target. However, the duces the importance of the most crit- the Armored Gun System are an ex- system must also have the capability ical component of victory - the ample of this thinking. The AGS is to make judgments on its own. In the armor soldier and leader. Everything central to our acceptance as a true absence of crew input or interaction, we do to prepare for the future must member of the contingency team. Our the system must have enough process- be squarely focused on these mobile proposed organizations to bring armor ing capability and sophistication to armor warriors. onto the contingency battlefield have determine if it should engage a given gained a broad consensus across the target, and just as important. with What then of our future weapon sys- Army, and one of our top priorities is which weapon system: main gun, ma- tems? What kind of replacements do to replace the obsolescent M551 Sher- chine gun, or directed energy system. we need for our current main battle idan. tank, M551 Sheridan, and scout/cav- One other very important element of alry fighting vehicles? What do we Let me correct those who may have the fire control system needs to be an need as the next generation of combat some misconceptions about the AGS. automatic identification, friend or foe vehicles for a force that will have to We do not suggest that it replace the system (IFF). As we saw during Oper- deploy on a moment’s notice to any- main battle tank. We believe that it is ation DESERT STORM, in the swirl- where in the world and defeat the a direct support weapon to support the ing maelstrom of battle IFF can be enemy quickly and violently with a infantry, but it can provide near main- very difficult at best, impossible at minimal loss of men and machines? battle-tank-type-- caDabilities. It can be times. We absolutelv need a svstem ARMOR - September-October 1991 5 that can identify targets and determine an increased capability to destroy If the enemy acquires us on the bat- friend or foe to ensure the survival of other tanks on the battlefield. tlefield, we need to have on-board our systems and our allies on the bat- systems that will make it more diffi- tlefield. Mobility is also key. Not just battle- cult for the enemy to engage us. Sec- field mobility, but the entire gamut of ond- and third-generation countemea- Once we have detected and acquired deployability from home base to bat- sure systems are needed. Miss dis- a target, we need to ensure certain de- tlefield and return. We need systems tance sensors, second-generationvehi- struction. An area that bears special that can be deployed via any number cle integrated defense systems, laser consideration is the work being done of means, to include air and sealift, waming receivers, and a wide array of in electromagnetic and electro-ther- quickly and efficiently, anywhere in sophisticated detection sensors will maVchemical gun technology. This the world on a moment’s notice, and enable the crew to react to any threat potentially could improve the velocity be ready to fight as soon as they hit on the battlefield and survive. of kinetic energy munitions, while re- the ground. ducing the overall weight of the com- Other technologies that may hold bat system, thus greatly improving not Elechic propulsion will enable the promise for the Armor Force of the only the lethality of the tank, but also main battle tank to deploy and operate future are false target generators, as its mobility and sustainability. in remote areas without the need for well as high powered microwave and the large logistic tail currently re- laser jammers that cause electro-opti- quired In addition, the vehicle would Another that may deserve atten- cal and other types of acquisition and area be much more durable and responsive tion is combustion augmented plasma fite control sensors to be inoperative. than current systems. An all-electric propellants. These technologies offer vehicle will allow relocation of major the promise of vastly increased pro- components and crew members for We need systems that have reduced jectile velocities and penetration capa- maximum protection, have reduced signatures across all spectrums. Ide- bilities combined with reduced overall weight and size, improved per- ally, we would like to have similar ca- weight. formance, commonality, and reduced pabilities in our ground combat vehi- life cycle costs. An all-electric tank cles that are present in the F-117 Directed energy bears special scru- that can operate from solar-powered stealth fighter making it virtually in- tiny. The use of lasers and micro- batteries may enable the Armor Force visible. Other improvements to the waves may have several benefits: less to deploy worldwide and conduct its main battle tank that will help to in- demand on the ammunition supply missions without the need for refuel- crease system and crew survivability system, higher volume of fire capabil- ing. This, coupled with the use of are insensitive munitions to help re- ity, and vastly increased engagement electric or electro-thermal guns, may duce secondary explosions, compart- ranges. The laser technology used in enable us to have a completely self- mentalization of fuel and ammunition, the Stingray Program today is a good sustaining vehicle. Think of the rami- IFF capability to prevent fratricide, fust start, but we require systems with fications of a system that does not re- fie detection and suppression, NBC extended range, as well as a system quire refueling and rearming at regu- protection, and an extensive use of ro- that can acquire and destroy optics lar intervals. botics, unmanned vehicles, and artifi- and fm control systems, not merely cial intelligence to take the soldier out disrupt or temporarily disable the sys- Active or tunable suspensions, de- of the loop whenever and wherever tem. signed to be crew adjusted or by com- possible. These measures will keep puter, will maximize operation over our crews alive. We must remember Why not use microwaves to disable all types of terrain and will greatly en- that our soldiers are the most critical personnel as well? The mor commu- hance the cross-country capability of component of our systems. nity has a need for both close-in and the main battle tank, making it more far defense against dismounted infan- maneuverable, more survivable, and Forge the Thunderbolt! try. Microwaves may allow us to en- much more lethal. Main battle tanks gage dismounted troops with a re- that can literally adjust their ground duced danger of fratricide. clearance and ground pressure at the touch of a switch would provide the In Part 11, we will conclude Building on the Line of Sight Anti- maneuver commander a great increase our discussion of technology Tank (LOSAT) concept, an advanced in combat capability by enabling him and the future Armor Force. kinetic energy missile may also pro- to deploy his forces .virtually any- vide our future main battle tank with where. 6 ARMOR - September-October 1997 CSM Jake Fryer Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army Armor Center

The Self-Development Test: A New NCO Evaluation Tool

October marks a major change of velopment needs not addressed or course in the Army’s individual satisfied under the hrst two pillars. testing program, when the fmt The Army has instruments to Self-Development Test, or SDT, is DEVELOPMENT measure NCO performance under scheduled to be administered. the fmt two pillars (e.g., resident The (SKILLS - KNOWLEDGE - AllmlDES) Army had outgrown the need for course tests, NCO Evaluation Re the Skill Qualification Test (SQT), port), but none for the self-devel- which was designed to promote opment pillar. The SDT is the and evaluate individual training in Army’s response to that shortcom- units. The NCO Corps is the best ing. While it does not provide a trained in this nation’s history, due complete profile of NCO self& 0 largely to the highly successful velopment, it does measure certain Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) L critical aspects: MOS knowledge, Education System and continuing TRAINING leadership, and training. advances in training doctrine. What was needed instead of the So what can we say about the SQT was an instrument to evaluate SDT itself? Every sergeant, staff an NCO’s progress in self-devel- L- sergeant, and sergeant first class opment as part of leader development. The SDT is, in fact, an important will take the SDT, with a test for each This led to the command sergeants part of the self-development pillar of rank within an MOS. Active Compo- major recommendation for the SDT, leader development. Leader develop- nent and Active Guard and Reserve the stated purpose of which is “to ment rests on the three pillars of insti- NCOs will begin testing in October allow NCOs to measure and guide tutional training, operational assign- (FY 92) and will test annually: Re- their growth in the skills and compe- ments, and self-development. Under serve Component NCOs will begin tencies they will need as they con- the first two pillars, the NCO learns testing in FY 93 and will test every tinue to develop as leaders.” The for- fundamental skills, knowledge, and other year. The FY 92 SDT test pe- mer Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen- attitudes and puts them to use in his riod schedule is laid out in DA Circu- eral Vuono, accepted the recommen- various job assignments. Under the lar 350-91-1, now in the field. The dation and, in a 3 July 1990 message third pillar, self-development, he initi- Training Standards Officer network to the field, ditected implementation ates and completes a program of self- now in operation will administer the of the SDT in FY 92. development to round out leader de- new test. ARMOR - September-October 7997 7 MOS 19K Skill Level 4 Questions in the SDT will come only from primary and supporting references listed PCSs from a unit. If the NCO does below. not yet have the manuals, he should Leadership Primary References immediately notify the unit publica- Leadership FM 22-100 tions clerk to order them. The NCO Leadership Counseling FM 22-101 should be able to obtain the MOS- Soldier Team Development FM 22-102 specific SM and needed supporting Training references in his work area or the in- Battle Focused Training FM 25-101 stallationhnit learning center. MOS Knowledge STP 17-19Kl-SM, N0v89 STP 17-19K23-SM, NOV89 Following testing, the NCO will re- STP 17-19EK4-SM,AUg 89 ceive two reports showing his SDT SPPOfiing results. He will get the fmt report, the Task Number Task Title References Initial Individual Soldier’s Report Subject Area 1 NBC and Smoke SL4 (ISR), within 30 days after testing. 03 1-503-4002 Plan and Supervise Positioning a.b This report, which is unofficial, tells M8 or M8A1 Alarm the NCO how many questions he an- Subject Area 3 Move the Platoon SL4 swered correctly on each section of 171-1 21 -4030 Conduct Armor Tactical c,d Navigation the SDT - leadership, training, MOS 171-123-4007 Coordinate an AnnorlScout emf knowledge - and on each subject Platoon Passage of Lines area of the MOS knowledge section. Subject Area 5 Defensive Operations SL4 171-123-4001 Prepare a Platoon Fire Plan e,f The NCO will receive the second re- Subject Area 6 Logistics SL4 port, the final ISR, about two and 171-091-1022 Conduct Platoon Resupply/FIearm 0 one-half months after his test period Subject Area 7 Tank Gunnery SL3 closes. In addition to SDT section 171-126-3010 Direct Main Gun Engagement g feedback, the report will show the on an Ml/MlAl Tank NCO’s official SDT score (0 to 100) Suppom’ng references: and a corresponding percentile or a. FM 3-3 C. FM21-31 e. FM 17-15 ranking. If, for example, the NCO re- b. FM 3-5 d. FM 101-5-1 1. FM 71-1 ceives an SDT score of 85 and a per- 9. FM 17-12-1 centile of 65, this means his SDT score of 85 was as good as or better than the scores of 65 percent of the The SDT will be a written test, nor- months before the test period. To pre- NCOs taking his SDT. mally taking two hours or less to pare for the leadership section of the complete. It will have 20 questions SDT, the NCO must study FM 22-100 The FY 92 and FY 93 iterations of each on leadership and training and Military Leadership, FM 22-101 the SDT will not be used for person- about 60 questions on MOS knowl- Leadership Counseling, and FM 22- nel management purposes. Individual edge. To promote NCO versatility in 102 SoldierlTem Development. For test results will go to the NCO only. an MOS, the MOS knowledge section the training section, he must study FM Besides acclimating himself to the will be broad-based, testing the NCO 25-101 Battle Focused Training. For new test, he can use the results to on his entire MOS, rather than a sin- the MOS knowledge section, he will steer his self-development. Beginning gle duty or equipment system. This is need to study his MOS-specific in FY 94, however, the NCO’s SDT a fundamental difference between the Soldier’s Manual (SM) and any SUP- results will become a part of his per- SQT and SDT. porting references shown in the SDT manent records and be tied to the En- notice. In the example above, the listed Personnel Management System. An NCO will prepare for the SDT Ml/MlAI Armor Crewman (19K40) As such, they will be an important on his own. This matches up with the must obtain FM 17-15 and FM 71-1 factor in promotion, retention/separa- self development philosophy, which to prepare for task 171-1234001, tion, and school attendance decisions. stresses personal responsibility. Units “Prepare a Platoon Fire Plan.” will no longer allocate time on their In conclusion, the Army has high training schedules to prepare soldiers By now, each NCO should have a expectations for the SDT. Properly for an upcoming test. personal set of the above leadership designed and adminstered, it should To aid his study, the NCO will re- and training manuals, which he will be a highly useful new NCO evalua- ceive an SDT notice about two maintain and take with him when he tion tool. a ARMOR - September-October 7997 Bravo Company Goes to War

by Staff Sergeant Jeffrey R. Dacus, USMCR

The phone calls began on November Author‘s tank, ‘Rockin’ 17,1991. Farmers, plumbers, teachers, Reaper,’ on the south- salesmen, and dozens of students re- west edge of Kuwait City. Crew is, from left, ceived the call from their platoon LCpl Sean Edler, leaders and platoon sergeants. Bravo loader; LCpl Rick Frs Company, Fourth Tank Battalion - a ier, driver; Cpl James Marine reserve unit out of Yakima, Bracken. gunner; and Washington - had been activated in SSG Dacus. the TC. response to the crisis in the Persian Gulf. The biggest change the company with years of experience had antici- faced was the transition from two pated theircountry’scallandretumed The company reported in on Decem- five-tank platoons to three four-tank to the unit just before mobilization, ber 12, at 100 percent strength. The platoons, increasing the required tank after several years of inactive duty. hectic pace of preparation continued crews from 12 to 14. There were They would prove invaluable. From for five days. The company had more than enough tank crewmen Oklahoma, a new platoon commander staged a practice mobilization, leaving available, but tank commanders might arrived. A new first sergeant also little left to do. The unit briefed de- be hard to find. Bravo w.as lucky in joined the unit as it prepared for its pendents and formed support groups. that two trained tank commanders first extended active duty since World ARMOR - September-October 7997 9 War II. As company first sergeant, on the ramp and in the Master Sergeant R.D. Martin would classroom. With the also prove a very valuable asset. assistance of the NETT instructors, the I With last-minute preparations for company completed duty complete, Captain Ralph F. individual, section, Parkison took the company south to and platoon gunnery Twentynine palms, California, for the runs, as well as com- next step in mobilization, transition pleting Gunnery Ta- training from the M60 tank to the new bles VI and VII dur- MlAl. ing both daylight and darkness. This phase Above, Bravo Company receives its new M1A1 tanks on Janu- On December 17th. the company ar- ended with a company ary 22. Below, the company practices battalion tactics in the rived at Twentynine Palms in antici- exercise over very Saudi desert less than a week later. pation of final mobilization processing demanding terrain. and the beginning of MlAl training. NE= training ended Because the New Equipment Training with a formal gradua- Team would not begin in- tion on January 13th. struction until December 26th, the Now the company company used the interim time to was eager to try its shake down its new platoons, draw skills on the battle- additional gear, and conduct training field, the so-called in areas not previously covered in any Gunnery Table XIII. depth. There was time for a series of NBC warfare classes, conducted by After a great deal of CWO Norwood of 2d Tank Battalion, last-minute gear issu- combined with a great deal of prac- ance and double tice. The UCOFT simulator was used checking of seabag contents, Com- the border and engage 6th Marine po- for gunnery training. Training also in- pany B left Norton Air Force Base for sitions, Bravo Company was not en- cluded desert survival, Arab customs Saudi Arabia, arriving at Al Jubail gaged, due to superb aerial support and culture, land navigation, and ar- January 17th. The company linked up that blunted enemy incursions. Febru- mored vehicle recognition. The three with its tanks and its parent regular ary 2d found Bravo Company rejoin- platoon commanders, WO Larry E. tank battalion on January 21st, only to ing its parent tank battalion as divi- Fritts, Captain Alan R. Hart, and Cap- find its tanks without most tools, nine sion reserve. tain B. Cline, conducted classes in of the 14 had no radios, and the gre- tactics. Platoon sergeants or section nade dischargers were all missing. The following week was spent mov- leaders conducted other classes on ing the battalion forward and training subjects such as motor transport and After replacing necessary equipment, the company in breaching techniques. tracked vehicle repair. the company moved on January 23d Two tanks in each platoon were fitted to Thunderbolt Range and boresighted with mine plows, the last two receiv- NET" training, methodical and well- all weapons. On January 26th, the ing theirs on February 12. February coordinated, began on schedule. When company arrived at battalion assembly 5th was spent acquainting the crews not actually training on the new tank, area Crush. The next three days were with mine plow employment. On Feb- the Marines of Bravo Company saw spent in large-scale, battalion exer- ruary 8th, the battalion assembled to fdms and attended lectures, often ac- cises that allowed the company and prepare a giant ambush to forestall a companied by hands-on instruction each platoon to practice basic tactical possible Iraqi invasion, but the threat using oversized training aids that en- movements. never materialized. The following day abled them to quickly adapt to their Bravo Company was attached to 1st new weapons system. Bravo Com- Bravo Company, attached to 6th Battalion, 8th Marines. pany's Marines completed basic Marines on January 30th. moved into NET" training on January 2, and position to support 2d Bn., 2d Marine During the period of February 11- moved to the field the following day Regt. just south of the Kuwait border. 13, the company practiced breaching to begin applying what they learned Despite several Iraqi attempts to cross operations with 1st Bn., 8th Marine 10 ARMOR - September-October 7991 Trainor, hit a mine. Despite the huge explosion, the crew was uninjured and joined the platoon’s other three tanks as they exited the minefield. It was not until 0834 that another lane was cleared, and the company proceeded through the minefield. Once through, the company took up position to sup- port the advancing mechanized infan- try, which quickly seized the first ob- jective.

At 1140. Bravo Company reached a second minefield and assumed an overwatch as the engineers breached the field under sporadic sniper fire. At 1445, the company moved through the second minefield in the meof the two mechanized companies.

At 1605, the company was on the left flank of the two mechanized com- panies, which reported enemy armor and entrenched infantry to their front. .. After Bravo Company’s right flank SAUDI ARABIA platoon opened machine gun fire on the entrenched enemy troops, resis- Path to Victory tance in front of the mechanized com- Map outlines Bravo Company’s progress and major engagements as it fought its way north. panies collapsed. Iraqis poured from bunkers and weapons pits, hands Regt. Engineers, TOWS, Amtracs, and 24th, just 15 minutes before the offen- raised. Bravo Company then surged infantry were all involved in the train- sive was to begin, thanks to superhu- into the attack, moving up onto a ing, which covered minefield and man effort by company maintenance slight rise and taking up a position to berm breaching as well as exploitation personnel and the tank’s crew. take on the enemy armor that had of the resulting gaps. threatened the Amtracs and TOW The company moved through the HMMWVS. The company moved into its final berm at approximately 0430 and assembly area on February 15th. ap- moved across the Kuwaiti border at The tank gunners systematically de- proximately eight kilometers from the 0458. Weather was poor, oil smoke stroyed the outgunned enemy at Kuwaiti border. At this position, the and rain limited visibility. At 0636, ranges out to 3800 meters. Beginning unit made last-minute preparations, the battalion encountered the fmt at 1650, with the destruction of an completed preventive maintenance, minefield and commenced breaching Iraqi tank by WO Fritts’ Hot Bitch, and conducted tactical briefings on its operations, opposed only by light and and including a T-55 obliterated at the role in the upcoming offensive. inaccurate enemy fire. The breaching amazing range of 3750 meters by proceeded slowly. Line charges SGT Glen Carter’s Stepchild, the At approximately 1900 on February proved ineffective, and three M60 tanks ripped apart the enemy position 23, Bravo Company moved into a po- mine plows and an Amtrac fell victim until past dark. In the Battle of the sition next to the Saudi berm. One of to the well laid minefield. When a Candy Canes - so-called because of the tanks, When’s Chow, commanded lane finally cleared, Bravo’s first pla- the red and white stripes painted on by SGT John Gibbert, had been left in toon pressed forward to exploit. After towers running parallel to the Iraqi the assembly area because of a fuel the entire platoon was committed to positions - the company was cred- leak. This tank appeared at the attack the lane, the first tank, Four Horse- ited with the destruction of ten tanks, position at 0415 on the morning of the men, commanded by SGT Robert four jeeps, 12 trucks, and a ZSU-23-4

~~ ~ ARMOR - September-October 1991 11 antiaircraft vehicle. Bravo Company The Battle of the Candy Canes received credit for 396 of the nearly The nickname stemmed from one of the few visible features on the desolate battlefield, a one thousand prisoners taken in the row of red-and-white-paintedtransmission towers. The range from Tank 33. at right, to the battalion area. Enemy return fire, lim- cluster of T-55s at top right was approximately 3.750 meters. The map greatly oversimpli- ited by range and lack of observers, fies the extensive network of bunk;ers and fighting holes present on the actuial battlefield. was desultory and ineffective. Marine artillery quickly silenced any mortar the east or Me coil. Due to early Gibbert's When's Chow, sleepyeyed fm. morning fog, dust, and oil-smoke, the tankers were greeted with the sight of enemy could not be immediately iden- an Iraqi tank battalion boiling up and The company was withdrawn from tified, even with thermal sights. At over a slightly raised, hard-surfaced this commanding high ground late 0550, CPT Hart spotted enemy vehi- road running north-south about 1800 that evening to take up a position at cles and passed on the alarm to the meters to the east of Bravo Com- the head of the battalion column. awakened company. Hart's platoon pany's position. After a night of confusing movement, was already in a position to engage including the capture of eight more the enemy with frontal fire, and he di- Within 90 seconds, most of Bravo prisoners, the company formed its rected the rest of the company to un- Company had engaged the enemy for- coil. coil and bring 3d Platoon on line to mation and destroyed it. Within seven the right of 2d, and 1st on line to the minutes, as individual enemy tanks Early the next morning, at approxi- left, slightly refused to the north. and Chinese-built personnel carriers mately 0545, February 25th, several continued to come into sight out of Marines on watch reported hearing As the first rounds were flying down the dust and smoke, over 30 enemy the sounds of Soviet-made vehicles to range from Hart's Crusader and SGT vehicles were destroyed. 12 ARMOR - September-October 7997 The Reveille Battle ing Iraqi units, and again Bravo took At dawn on February 25th, Bravo Company destroyed 30 Republican Guard T-72s as they the point. In increasingly poor visibil- tried to counterattackthrough Iraqi positions that induded bunkers and dug-in T-55s. The ity due to rain and smog, Bravo en- enemy tanks attempted to move at an oblique angle across a slightly raised roadbed, and gaged the enemy in a running battle, firing on the move at long ranges. Firing continueduntil approximately sonnel carriers from the Iraqi 3d Corporal Vem Forenpohar’s Torture 0630. Single enemy tanks were blown Mechanized Division “Tawakalna,” a Chamber and SSG Jeff Dacus’ up as the battalion TOW vehicles Republican Guards unit. The company Rockin’ Reaper destroyed a BMP joined in. Within 30 minutes of the got credit for 72 prisoners in this and a T-62, respectively, at a range of last main gun round going down “Reveille Battle.” The corpsmen of 2,000 meters, while travelling at 20 range, Iraqi survivors and infantry Bravo Company handled twelve mph. The company settled into its who had been frring rather ineffec- enemy seriously wounded, performing night position at an L formed by the tively from trenches, began to surren- life-saving care in several instances. junction of two roads, an east-west der. Bravo Company suffered no cas- hard surface ending in a north-south ualties to the enemy’s few incoming On the afternoon of the 25th, Bravo route. Throughout the evening, enemy tank and machine gun rounds. Bravo Company was assigned the base of momen attempted to harass the Company destroyed 30 T-72 tanks, the battalion vee. It remained in that Marines, but Marine artillery again si- three T-55s. a T-62. and seven Der- Dosition until the battalion met retreat- lenced the Iraqi supporting arms. ARMOR - September-October 1991 13 Aftermath of the Reveille Battle A grim wake-up call for Iraq’s Republican Guards

Bravo company had a chance to return to the Reveille battle site a few days later, when these photos were taken by the author. Most of the T-72s had their turrets blown off by secondary explo- sions. Older T-Ss, including one hit five I times, retained their turrets, although in some cases KE had passed through both sides of the turret casting. 1

- -. 1 The T-72s destroved in the Reveille battle were moving toward allied troops and through a densely bunkered Iraqi position when spotted. This accounts for why some T-55s are dug in while oth- ers, and the T-72s, were on the move. T-55 at left was one of the dug-in tanks.

At 0230 on February 26th. the out the early morning hours. A count slum-like built-up areas, Bravo Com- enemy made a concerted attempt to credited Bravo Company with nine T- pany went from the tail of the vee up pass the road intersection and retreat 62s, 12 BMPs, three BTRs, one MT- to the tip of the battalion wedge and farther north. The darkness, and the LB, and four trucks destroyed. The then back to the tail, engaging a vari- fleeing Iraqis were ripped apart by the company also captured two prisoners. ety of targets. Evening found the com- flashes and explosions from Bravo’s Daylight on February 26th found the pany in an ambush position along the 120-mm guns. Machine guns mixed company moving out in the base of southern edge of the 6th Ring Motor- in, and tracers burned through the the battalion vee again as the attack way on the edge of Kuwait City, an- night as individual Iraqis attempted to pushed toward Kuwait City against ticipating a column of T-72 tanks that fight back. The enemy was slaugh- dispersed enemy tanks and personnel never materialized. During the day, it tered in the “Battle of the L,” fought carriers. Past a radio station, through destroyed six tanks, one BMP, three in poor weather and visibility through- cultivated fields, open desert, and MT-LBs, and four trucks. 14 ARMOR - September-October 1991 High Praise... “Consider one of my favorite stories, about the Ma- rines of Company B of the 4th Tank Battalion. They’re combat reservists from Yakima, Washington, not ac- Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti units ar- tive duty personnel. They were activated last Decem- rived late in the morning of the 27th ber and went into battle with their Abrams tanks when to liberate Kuwait City. Bravo Com- ground operations began into Kuwait on the 24th of pany remained in place until March February. Before dawn, moving north inside Kuwait, 1st. The company then moved approx- Company B discovered a large formation of Iraqi imately one kilometer south to a tanks. They saw some of the top-line T-72 tanks bermed position amidst the carcasses of some 70 dead cows, horses, and ze- heading straight toward them through a large group of bras. dug-in Iraqi armor. All told, the Marine company with 13 tanks faced 35 oncoming Iraqi tanks, outnumbered The company remained in “Pet nearly three to one. But when the encounter was Cemetery” until March loth. The over, the Marine reservists had destroyed or stopped company then moved to a position 34 of the 35 enemy tanks. In fact, in a total of four with its original parent tank battalion. This involved a short move about ten engagements in four days, Company B stopped 59 kilometers to a position in the desert Iraqi tanks, 30 of them top-line T-72s. What makes it southwest of Kuwait City. all the more impressive is that Company B had never used those Abrams tanks before they arrived in the The company left Kuwait on March desert. That was their first exposure to the new equip- 12th, moving to an ammunition drop ment. And they trained on it, acquired the capability to point at AI Mishaad, Saudi Arabia. Ammunition was off-loaded, and the operate it, and then performed superbly in combat.” tanks were mounted on Army HETS for the trip farther south to AI Jubail. - Richard B. Cheney, Secretary of Defense On March 16th, the men of Bravo Company arrived at Camp 15, just outsibe of Al Jubail. The tanks arrived returned to the United States on April a day later after spending the night at 18, the remainder flew to Camp R. the port, At Camp 15, Company B Lejeune the following night. After Staff Sergeant Jeffrey completed its plans for return home. completing processing, the company Dacus sewed on active duty The first members of Bravo Company flew home to Yakima on April 25th. from 1971 to 1975 in Am- tracs. He has been in the Marine Corps Reserve for almost 12 years sewing in a helicopter squadron, engi- neer battalion, and for the last eight years as a tank commander in Bravo Com- pany, 4th Tank Battalion. He holds a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., and in His- tory and Government from the University of Portland. He is currently an 8th Grade U.S. History teacher. Author’s tank crew looks over a captured T-55/59 in Kuwait City, March 3d. ARMOR - September-October 7997 15 Ar Rumaylah Airfield Succumbs To Hasty Attack

During Operation DESERT STORM, the 2d Squadron, 3d ACR conducted a hasty amck on the Ar Rumaylah Southwest Airfield in southern Iraq. This article is wriffen from fhe point of view of the cav- alry troop executive officer and scout pla- toon leader.

One of the Iraqi tanks destroyed in the by Captain A. A. Puryear and Lieutenant Gerald Haywood, II squadron attack on the Ar Rumaylah R. Southwest Airfield in southern Iraq. PHOTO: CW2 Garnard P. Tuma introduction flank security for XWII Airborne scout platoons each with six M3A2s, Corps during its assault into Iraq. For two tank platoons each with four On 28 February 1991,2d Squadron, hundreds of kilometers, the “Sabre MlAls, one 4.2-in. mortar section 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment culmi- Squadron” haveled side by side with with two M106A2 mortar carriers, nated its 400-kilometer assault into the 24th Infantry Division over treach- and the troop combat trains. Iraq during Operation DESERT erous terrain, through rain and driving STORM with a hasty attack that cap- sandstorms, securing a series of objec- nmeiine - 28 February tmd the Ar Rumaylah Southwest tives with no enemy contact. Airfield in Southern Iraq, part of a At 0515, the squadron conducted complex that made up the largest As the squadron pushed farther east stand-to procedures. At the comple- ammo supply point in the Kuwaiti toward the city of Basra, it began to tion of stand-to, the squadron can then Theatre of Operations. In the course encounter small pockets of enemy issue any orders or stand the troops of the attack, the squadron captured forces that initially put forth light re- down to a lower readiness level. At nearly 300 enemy prisoners of war, sistance, but were easily neutralized this time, squadron had received no destroyed tons of Iraqi equipment, and and captured. The squadron’s move- further orders to continue offensive most important, suffered no friendly ment halted on 27 February as the operations, and instructed units to casualties. regiment awaited further word on fu- lower their readiness level and await ture offensive operations and a possi- further instructions. The following is an account of the ble cease-fire. hasty attack on the airfield from the On this morning, G Troop had point of view of the executive officer At the time of the hasty attack, the eight of nine tanks, all Bradleys and of G Troop, 2/3 ACR, and the scout squadron organization was that of a one of two mortar vehicles mission- platoon leader of 1st platoon, E Troop, TO&E regimental cavalry squadron, capable. Both inoperative vehicles had 2/3 ACR. with three armored cavalry troops been evacuated to the squadron’s equipped with MlAl (heavy) tanks Unit Maintenance Collection Point Background and M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, (UMCP) for repairs, but the UMCP a tank company, an M109 howitzer was still on the move, hying to catch During Operation DESERT battery, and a huge array of combat up with the rest of the squadron, and STORM, the 3d Armored Cavalry support and service support assets. repairs on the vehicles had not been Regiment had the mission to provide The cavalry troop consisted of two possible. 16 ARMOR - September-October 1997 LO LOA LD TA c sc JT ' 3d ACR

-@ I.I

2/3 ACR 11 vi 'ACR 10 I ; 12 'S r 1 GRIDLINE GRIDLINE L Ar Rumaylah Airfield to REDCON-1,E Troop taking the provides maximum security when Hasty attack by 2d Sqn, 3d ACR center and lead of the squadron for- enemy contact is not expected, and 28 February 1991 mation, and G Troop taking position the distance can be increased when in the northernmost part of the contact is possible. If contact is made First platoon, E Troop had five squadron sector. Departure time was by the lead scouts, the combat trains Bradleys mission-capable, with its set for 0945. Can halt their movement or back off if sixth Bradley assigned to the troop necessary. commander. At 0945, 1st platoon, E Troop initi- ated movement in a scout platoon At 0730, squadron sent word to the "vee" formation, followed by its sup- At this time, the G Troop combat units that a cease-frre would go into porting tank platoon, 26 platoon. In trains consisted of the troop XO in his effect at 0800 local time. This infor- the squadron formation, each scout M577A2 conmand post vehicle, the mation was relayed to all the line pla- platoon had about 1.5- to 2-kilometer- troop first sergeant in his M113A2 toons of both troops, which was fol- wide sectors with the distance be- APC, the medic APC, maintenance lowed by a feeling of relief and cau- tween vehicles no more than 500 me- APC, M88A2 recovery vehicle, a tious optimism among soldiers. ters. Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR) APC, two M998 HMMWVs, and two At 0922, the cautious optimism G Troop began moving in a standard HEMTI' fuelers. came to an end. Squadron informed split-vee foxmation, two scout pla- the troops that the regiment had been toons abreast, each supported by a About four kilometers beyond the alerted and had received orders to tank platoon. The G Troop combat line of departure, E Troop reached the move on line to secure a downed heli- trains moved close behind and cen- crash site and moved forward to se- copter about 20 kilometers east of its tered between the two tank platoons. cure it. The helicopter was totaled, current position. Both troops moved This location for the combat trains with wnxkage everywhere, and the ARMOR - September-October 1991 17 fuselage showed signs of anti-aircraft Wanting to take advantage of the out of bunkers and buildings as the fire. surprise, 1st platoon called for 2d platoon moved through the area. 1st platoon’s mine plow tank to crash the platoon members motioned the Iraqis At 0951, the squadron received a fence. 2d platoon quickly responded, to the center of the airfield where 3d change of mission from regiment to sending the tank at a high rate of platoon, E Troop had established the spread out, cover the entire sector, speed through the fence, tearing a troop prisoner collection point. and move to the 98 North-South (N- gaping hole. 2d platoon now took the S) grid line to establish a screen. At lead through the fence due to the pres- 1st platoon, E Troop then linked up this time, both troops shifted south ence of enemy armor. with lst platoon, G Troop to close the two kilometers from the planned posi- seam between the two troops. These tions to close the seam between 2d At 1027, E Troop responded to live two platoons, along with 2d platoon, Squadron and 1st Squadron. In addi- fire from several ZSU 234s and E Troop, received the mission to de- tion, the squadron was instructed not quickly destroyed the weapon sys- stroy some abandoned artillery pieces. to engage in direct fire unless fd tems. The troop continued to push Upon. through the airfield, 1st platoon en- E and G Troops both continued their gaging the air defense weapons, and movement east, destroying more During G Troop’s movement east, 2d platoon dealing with the armored enemy equipment with demolitions 2d platoon lost one tank to an engine threat. The Bradleys soon came under and direct fire, and capturing more fire and the mortar section lost one direct small arms fire. An RPG round enemy prisoners. At 1201, regiment mortar track to a blown engine. The streaked just a few feet above a 2d set a limit of advance (LOA) for tanks tank was quickly recovered by the platoon tank, and another passed by at the 10 N-S grid line, and the 12 N- troop’s M88, the mortar track by the within six feet of a 1st platoon Brad- S for the scouts. Both troops had to troop maintenance APC. Because the ley. Scouts reported dug-in machine pull back slightly to set a screen line squadron’s UMCP was still moving gun positions in sector, and the pla- on the LOA. and had not been established, the ve- toon quickly massed fires to destroy hicles were brought along with the the positions. The large number of prisoners cre- rest of the combat trains. The tank’s ated transportation problems. The turret was still operational, so the G Troop received its first enemy fire troops’ HMMWVs were filled quickly crew manned the weapons system to when 3d Platoon was taken under fire to maximum capacity, and the troops provide some additional firepower to by machine gun positions. In a hasty were reluctant to sacrifice combat support the combat trains. assault of the position, 3d platoon de- power to transport them back to the stroyed three air defense guns, three squadron collection point. The solu- The squadron continued its move- trucks, and captured 12 Iraqi soldiers. tion came from the enemy himself. ment east and began to encounter un- Numerous cargo trucks in various occupied fighting positions and unex- The G troop combat trains moved states of repair were left by fleeing ploded munitions from Allied bomb- forward to assist with Iraqi casualties Iraqis, and the troops were able to ing. As the squadron moved closer to and linked up with 3d platoon, whose hook those up to APCs and tow them the airfield, it become very apparent combat lifesavers had begun basic back to the EPW collection point that enemy forces occupied the air- first aid on the wounded Iraqis. After filled with Iraqi prisoners. field the medics and additional combat life- savers from the troop first sergeant’s Once set on the screen-line, the G As 1st platoon, E Troop came within vehicle anived on station, they began Troop first sergeant moved to the three kilometers of the airfield, one of to treat the wounded prisoners. Once squadron trains to pick up a cargo the Bradley commanders spotted a the prisoners were stabilized, a scout HEm with a resupply of tank and chain-link fence surrounding the air- section from 3d platoon escorted the Bradley ammunition. Platoon ser- field. The lead scout sections assumed medics back to the squadron forward geants began rotating their platoons overwatch positions and a close in- aid station, so the casualties could re- back to the troop trains to resupply spection quickly revealed the fence ceive further treatment and be evacu- anmunition expended during the at- was not booby-trapped or mined. ated. tack and top off their fuel tanks. After inspecting the fence, the platoon visually acquired two tanks and five After 1st platoon, E Troop silenced Both E and G Troop continued to anti-aircraft positions. It appeared that the infantry positions on the airfield, conduct clearing operations, capturing the mws were running to man them. surrendering soldiers began coming more Iraqi soldiers and destroying

18 .October 1991 weapons caches filled with hundreds of AK47s, grenades, and RpGs. The squadron halted its movement about 28 kilometers west of the city of Basra. E Over the next seveml days, the A G Troop tank loaded with Iraqi prisoners moves to the troop’s EPW collection point. squadron continued clearing bunkers, PHOTO CPTAA PUT rounding up EPWs, and destroying MTOE authorized M113A3 APCs for tunity. Because of the fast pace of the enemy equipment. These operations the fmt sergeant, medic, and mainte- attack and the ease with which the continued until the regiment received nance crews, G Troop was still troops were able to defeat the enemy orders to return to Saudi Arabia on 7 equipped with older and slower forces, no artillery fire was needed. March 1991. M113A2.s. The requirement should also extend to the M106 mortar car- Mobility/CountennobiiRy/ rier and the M577 command post ve- Survivability Observations hicle. These vehicles are also required to keep up with the troop, but were Sustain: The mineclearing plow Maneuver unable to accomplish the task. mounted on the MlAl tank and the blade of the M88 recovery vehicle Sustain: The troop combat trains The troop must have an A3 equiva- were invaluable in ensuring mobility must always stay close to the troop lent chassis for these M113-family ve- of the troop combat trains. During the main body. Just as tanks provide di- hicles in order for these critical sup- troop’s movement, the G Troop com- rect fire overwatch for scouts, the port assets to maintain pace with the bat trains encountered numerous small troop combat trains must provide rest of the troop. berms that would have greatly slowed combat service support overwatch for the movement of fueler HEM’IT and the line platoons. The trains are al- Fire Support the M113-series vehicles. A radio call ways on call to provide fuel to MlAl to either of these vehicles resulted in a tanks, medical support for injured sol- Sustain: The troop fire support offi- quick cut through the berm that diers (friendly and enemy), and main- cer controls the movement of the greatly aided the ease of movement tenance recovery for inoperative vehi- troop mortars, a task that used to be for these vehicles. For the scout pla- cles. assigned to the troop XO. With the toon, the mine plow tank also pro- mortars under his control, the FIST vided quick, responsive breaching ca- For the scout platoon, basic doctrine can provide mortar fire support more pability, as illustrated by the use of proved to be extremely successful and quickly when needed, and the XO is the mine plow tank to crash through easy to control. free to perform his command and con- the airfield fence. trol missions. Improve: The only way that the Improve: The troop commander’s combat trains can stay in close prox- There were no pre-planned artillery and maintenance section M998 imity to the troop main body is to targets on the airfield, but the HMMWVs proved to be critically im- have vehicles capable of matching squadron’s artillery battery was set portant to the accomplishment of nu- speed with Mls and M3s. While the and ready to fire on targets of oppor- merous missions during the course of ARMOR - September-October 7997 19 At times during the attack it was very difficult to get an accurate location due to the lack of easily identified terrain and the use of operational control measures based only on grid lines. Without question, there is great need for more satellite navigational devices for use during desert operations. the attack. However, these vehicles, mine the actual locations of enemy impossible, even for the best map- along with the Stinger team vehicle positions. readers. Each troop had three satellite and others, would have been very vul- navigational devices, one to the troop nerable to any type of direct or indi- Combat Senrice Support commander and one to each scout pla- rect fut. The argument is that these toon leader. The rest of the troop re- vehicles belong in rear areas and not Sustain: The organization of the lied on them for accurate grid loca- up near the front lines, but the reality troop combat trains proved to be very tions. The troops need more of these is that these vehicles are needed for- effective. Whenever possible, the fuel- systems in both the combat and ser- ward. These vehicles should be outfit- ers need to be under direct control of vice support elements to aid in the ted with Kevlar armor packages sim- the troop first sergeant so he can rap- quick and accurate reporting of cur- ilar to the armament canier model idly bring them forward to refuel the rent location. HMMWVs used by the light infantry, tanks. It became very apparent during battalion scouts, and military police. constant operations that M1 tanks Concluslon This addition would provide the need to be refueled based on time, not needed survivability for these vehicles distance covered. The XO and first 2d Squadron conducted a successful to operate forward where they am sergeant have to work together in the movement to contacvhasty attack needed. planning of combat service support, using rapid movement, teamwork, with the primary execution left in the overwatch, and massed fms. Platoons Alr Defense hands of the first sergeant, while the and troops carried the fight to the XO assists the commander in the enemy, using aggressive cavalry tac- Thanks to the air superiority enjoyed command and control of the troop and tics. The Ar Rumaylah battle is proba- by the allied forces, the squadron’s air manages the flow of combat informa- bly typical of the future battles cav- defense systems were never put to the tion between troop and squadron. alry must fight and win. test in combat. Command and Control Intelligence Sustain: In both troops, the scout Sustain: While enemy intelligence and tank platoon teams operated on Captain A. A. Puryear is had been sketchy during the assault the same platoon radio net. This pro- a 1986 graduate of Wash- into Iraq, the intelligence before that vided both platoons with immediate ington and Lee University. attack on the airfield was good. The information about the battlefield situa- A graduate of AOBC, he templated positions on the airfield tion, allowing for quicker response has served as a tank and were very accurate in terms of general times and more efficient cross talk be- scout platoon leader, and location and type of unit, but little tween platoon leaders. Both troops a cavalry troop executive was known about the actual percent- also found that using fixed call signs officer. He is currently as- age strength of enemy farces. The made for shorter and more efficient sistant S-1 in 2d Squad- troops also received an accurate esti- radio transmissions. ron, 3d ACR. mate of enemy morale and probable course of action when told to expect Improve: At times during the attack Lieutenant Gerald R. small pockets of enemy forces that it was very difficult to get an accurate Haywood, II, is a 1988 would resist at first, but quickly sur- location, due to the lack of easily Distinguished Military render when pressed. identified terrain and the use of opera- Graduate of Brigham tional control measures based only on Young University. A gradu- Improve: If the troops could have grid lines. Without question, there is ate of AOBC and SPLC, had access to any satellite or aerial great need for more satellite naviga- he has served as a tank photography reconnaissance of the tional devices for use during desert and scout platoon leader. area, the attack on the airfield could operations. Too often, the troops He is currently assistant S- have been planned in greater detail. found themselves in places with bar- 3 in 2d Squadron, 3d Line platoons were forced to stumble ren, featureless terrain that made de- ACR. their way through the airfield to deter- termining an accurate location nearly 20 ARMOR - ;eptember-October 1991 Scout HMMWVs and Bradley CFVs: Gulf War Provides a Comparison of Scout Vehicles and MTOEs by First Lieutenant (P) Charles W. Garneros, Jr.

Before the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait vehicle, weapons, radios, and sensors marginal value of each vehicle in the on August 2, 1990, the state of the configuration? (See Figure 1.) numerically smaller platoon. In other task force scout platoon was in flux. words, the lower marginal value per In particular, the MTOE of the task When deployed in a variety of mis- vehicle equates with mission flexibil- force scout platoon was under intense sions, the extra two vehicles of the ity. However, this addresses vehicle discussion, development, and analysis. M966 platoon provided a great deal of numbers, not the overall distinctions The 24th Infantry Division served as a flexibility not normally available in between the vehicles. Given the testing ground for two such Organiza- the six-vehicle M3 platoon. This may stealthier M966, versus the compara- tions one year before the division’s seem either obvious or trivial, depend- tively louder (and therefore easier to deployment to DESERT SHIELD.’ ing on one’s perspective. Having a detect) M3, it becomes easier to per- separate and distinct headquarters sec- form those headquarters functions. I have served as a scout platoon tion does several things for both the Whether attending orders, checking leader for both the J-series M3 Brad- maneuver platoon leader and the bat- positions, or running LOGPAC, the ley platoon and one of the test M966 talion that depends on the platoon’s M966 gives a headquarters section HMMWV platoons - the latter in information. First, a redundancy of re- much greater capability. Keeping the combat. Leading each platoon was a connaissance assets either ensures section distinct, as the experimental radically different experience from a zone coverage or allows screening or MTOE does, serves to magnify this capability and limitation perspective. recon of a wider zone. Second, it al- difference. DESERT SHIELD and STORM re- lows the platoon leader to attend or- vealed significant differences that ders and perform other functions with- warrant discussion, and perhaps point out as high a cost to the overall mis- Principles of Reconnaissance to the direction of future scout MTOE sion. Along the same lines, the pla- development. toon sergeant can attend to logistic Beyond the flexibility perspective, it functions - again without the same is useful to examine the two MTOEs In analyzing these two different or- high cost on the line. When either ac- and their vehicles from the point of ganizations, it is appropriate to select tivity is performed in a J-series M3 view of the principles of reconnais- a reference point for discussion. Using platoon, 1/6 or even 1/3 of the platoon sance. Figure 1 shows how the two the six principles of reconnaissance, is not performing reconnaissance. In organizations fared. As stated above, the general capabilities, and the typi- the M966 organization, the cost is the larger number of vehicles in the cal missions of a generic scout pla- proportionally lower: 118 to 1/4. M966 platoon allows it to keep more toon, as listed in FM 17-98,the sig- vehicles (and therefore more scouts) nificant distinctions between the two As previewed in the Armor School’s forward performing missions. Another MTOEs will become apparent, and re- Directorate of Combat Developments’ key point is that the quieter M966 al- quirements for the Future Scout Vehi- Combat Developments White Paper? lows the scout to get closer unde- cle will emerge. From a materiel per- the future scout platoon will have 10 tected and remain undetected longer. spective, the MTOEs are laid out in a vehicles. This recognizes the higher In either event, more scouts are capa- ARMOR - September-October 7997 21 Platoon Organizations

M966 Experimental J-Series M3

8 M966 'Hard-top" HMMWV 6 M3CFV 1 Military motorcycle (KD250) Bradley 6 M60 7.62-mm MG 6 M60 7.62-mm MG 4 Mk19 40-mm grenade MG 32 M16A2 30 M16A2 8 M1911A1 6 1911A1 8 M203 6 M203 AT-4, pryo, demo, grenades Same VS. 10 Vehide radios 8 Vehideradios 8 PRC-77 6 PRC-77 3 PRC-126 4 ANNSG-2(lTS) 6 ISU 6 ANNVS-2 32 PVS-7NB 12 PVS-7NB HMMWV 8 M911 'Pocket scopes" 8 PVS-4 6 PVS-4 Principles of Reconnaissance

Stronger MTOE

Maximum Recon Forward M966 HMMWV Orient on Reconnaissance OBJ Tie Rapid and Accurate Reporting M966 HMMWV Retain Freedom to Maneuver M3 CFV GaidMaintain Enemy Contact Tie Develop Situation Rapidly M966 HMW Missions

Stronger MTOE

Route Reconnaissance M966 HMW Area Reconnaissance Tie Zone Reconnaissance M966 HMMWV Screen Main Body M3 CFV Passage of tines M966 HMMWV

Capabilities of Scout Platoons

Stronger MTOE

Conduct Liaison M966 HMMWV Perform Quartering Party Duty Provide Traffic Control Chemical and Radiation Survey Pioneer and Demolition Work Pioneer M3 CFV Demolition M966 HMMWV Participate in Area Security M966 HMMWV

Figure 1

22 ARMOR- :September-October 799 I ble of performing better reconnais- M966 organization pairs Mk 19s with sitional advantage that the M3 could sance from better vantage points. M6Os in sections, but this fmpower never enjoy. Second, the M966 does not compare favorably with the MTOE brings with it a better night Information that is not reported is 25mm. observation capability than the Brad- worthless to the battalion, and the ley platoon. This is true for both greater number of radios makes a big Capabilities of Scout Platoons image intensification and thermal difference. At times, the distance be- viewing. As a rule, the tank thermal tween the scouts and the main body In general, the MW’s versatility is sight (TI’S) was generally superior to required establishment of a radio brought out in Figure 1. The long-dis- the integrated sight unit (ISLJ) in tar- retrans to maintain contact. The M966 tance staging movements through get acquisition (range to target) and organization could more easily ac- DESERT SHIELD and STORM identification (clarity of the picture at complish this mission. Further, radio tested the scouts’ abilities as liaisons a given range). Further, the higher maintenance and performance was and traffic control points. In both number of night observation devices generally better in the HMMWVs cases, an Wequipped platoon could ensured a better chance of the than the Bradleys. While this may be not have fulfilled these missions. platoon’s dismounts acquiring an a vehicle-peculiar experience or envi- Even on the return through Iraq, the enemy fmt. Last, the military motor- ronmentally influenced, it was gener- M3 would not have been as flexible. cycle (MILMO) was a valuable asset ally attributed to the M3 turret by As a rule, road situations dramatically because it allowed the checking of po- both scout platoons? The speed of the favor the HMMWV,while their cross- sitions and running of messages much M966 (especially on road surfaces) country performances are comparable. more discreetly than even a also gives it a greater ability to de- This doesn’t mean that the M3 HMMWV? In short, the HMMWV velop situations rapidly. Combine this doesn’t outshine the M966 in certain platoon strength in this capacity is its with its greater numbers, and the missions and situations. Its heavier stealth and redundancy of vehicles. HMMWV platoon was capable of ex- armor (and subsequently better rela- ecuting more numerous options once tive effectiveness (RE) factor) and Task Force Scout MissIons contact had occurred. During the later NBC system make it a much more stages of DESERT STORM, 4-64 swivable platform in NBC swey Looking at the missions of the task Armor pursued a rigorous exploitation missions and other related situations. force scout platoon, one sees a clear that required the scouts to keep many The M%6 offers little in this role. In emphasis on reconnaissance. Here road options open. The comparatively a pioneer role, the heavier vehicle, again, the advantages fall primarily to slower and fewer M3s would have not with its much more powerful engine, the M966 organization. In Figure 1, performed this as well. makes the M3 extremely useful for we see the task force scout platoon felling trees, moving wrecks, and so missions as laid out in FC 17-98. Applying the principles of recon- forth. Again, the M966’s capabilities While it would be simple to general- naissance, the M3’s strength is its are limited here. Yet in the demolition ize here and point to stealth and flexi- ability to retain freedom of maneuver. field, the M966 organization was bet- bility as reasons why the M966 pla- Because scouts are often deployed as ter suited for our destruction missions. toon is better, it would miss highlight- single vehicles within sections, the During DESERT STORM, flexibility ing certain strengths within these mis- M3 can take a great deal more punish- through numbers and a speedy, nim- sions. These strengths (as well as ment than the M966. That punishment ble, and light vehicle to move through weaknesses) invite a discussion as to may range from artillery to small the cluttered battlefield made for an where the future scout platoon might arms - even friendly submunitions? efficient execution of a long and com- be headed, as we will see. The M966 was inadequate in dealing plicated destruction mission? Further, with these threats. In short, the M966 the use of add-on racks to the rear of Any mission requires a ME=-T is better at avoiding engagement, but the vehicle made the storage of the analysis. Scout missions are no differ- suffers more when engaged. The M3 demolition kits and C-4 more accessi- ent. In this discussion, generalizations stands a greater chance of detection ble for the crew, yet safer as well. must be made about each mission and subsequent engagement, but suf- type. There are situations in all mis- fers comparatively less. From an In area security missions, the M966 sions in which the opposite MTOW MTOE perspective, the M3 delivers offers distinct advantages. First, it’s vehicle would be superior. As with much greater firepower with its much harder to detect. Overall smaller most cases, the choices are not always 25mm, coax 7.62, and TOW. This in size, a much quieter engine, and its so clear cut. Route reconnaissance turn gives it a greater chance of ability to use terrain that would be missions are generally conducted in breaking out of engagement. The useless to an M3 give the M966 a po- the interests of moving the main body, ARMOR - September-October 1991 23 the trains, or both. Usually, the threat guard is the skill or nerve of a thermal sights. Flexibility, redun- is fairly low, and these missions also tank/IFv gunner.) A HMMWV is dancy, and stealth mark this organiza- frequently entail large amounts of very difficult to confuse in thermal tion. The M3 offers survivability and time on roads. The M966 can take ad- sights and is a less threatening vehicle firepower as its strengths. Unfortu- vantage of its speed here. Even if con- for all parties concerned. nately, by comparison, certain vehicle tact is expected, the M966’s stealth and MTOE shortcomings limit its util- may allow it to conduct its reconnais- As a distinctive vehicle, it also facil- ity as a reconnaissance platform. The sance undetected (andor take advan- itates command and control. The unit interesting question is, “Where do we tage of its standoff thermal optics). to pass knows where to find its pas- go from here?” The M3 has neither the stealth nor the sage point and/or guide more easily. speed and (because it also leaves clear Instead of searching for a particular Recognizing that there are problems tracks where it has been) may attract tank or Bradley, go to the “hard top with the M3 CFV organization, the unwanted attention to the route to be HMMWV.” This doesn’t preclude a new MTOE calls for 10 HMMWVs used later. Neither vehicle nor MIOE detailed plan for a passage of lines: it (later to be replaced with the Future proved better than the other at area re- just makes it easier to execute. The Scout Vehicle (FSV) when it comes connaissance. Perhaps in a more built- KISS principle is a good guide here. on line)? This points to the value of a up or heavily vegetated environment, larger number of vehicles in a scout the Bradley would be superior, due to Of the five scout missions, the Brad- platoon. With those advantages dis- its advantage in firepower and ability ley is clearly superior to Screen for the cussed above, what should be in the to break away from engagement. Zone main body. While the M966 is capa- new FSV? The FSV needs to be a reconnaissance clearly favored the ble of doing so, it accomplishes this mix of both vehicles. Some of the ca- HMMWV -day and night. The mul- mission strictly as a reconnaissance pabilities should be: titude of capable optic systems (ther- organization. The M3 is very capable mal and image intensification), and of defeating an enemy mounted re- .Thermal sight - It made the scouts who could effectively see, connaissance threat. The M966 is bet- HMMWV a viable reconnaissance gives this vehicle a tremendous ad- ter off vectoring in a tank or Bradley. platform. vantage. The two observers in the rear Against a dismounted threat, the M3 of an M3 spend much more time just is favored, but not so pointedly. Dur- *Sllrvivable - Be able to withstand hanging on, rather than scouting - ing DESERT STORM, the M966 pla- 7.62mm and below, artillery fragmen- their eyes are wasted. Add to this the toon conducted continual forward tation, and maybe even .50 cal. and strength of numbers and other sys- screens of the task force. Initial con- some submunitions. NBC protection temic advantages, and the wider front- tact started the handover process to should be there as well. age requirements of a zone reconnais- the task force, while heavy contact sance brings out the advantages of the generally necessitated going to .Thermal IFF - The scouts are out HMMWV organization and vehicle. ground, because cover was scarce? front and so is the enemy. We need a Because the M3 is not as vulnerable better way to discriminate between Before DESERT STORM, we spent to enemy fire, the Bradley can serve them in thermal view. a lot of time training for passage of as a fighting screen, the HMMWV lines. While we did not conduct one cannot. .Amphibious - The HMMWV during the war, training for it pointed can’t swim, and the M3 requires time to several advantages of the M966 Conclusions to prepare for an awkward one. over the M3. Most important, it is a dissimilar vehicle to those conducting The clearest distinction between the .LASER Rangefinder - The LRF the passage. This is a greater advan- performance characteristics of the M3 needs to be mounted within the ther- tage than it may appear at first glance. and the M966 platoons is that the mal viewer. The GVS-5 is difficult to In the heat of the moment, it is less M966 organization is a better enemy use at extended ranges and is a poor likely to be confused with a tank or finder, while the M3 is a better performer in limited visibility. BMP. This is key, whether the unit is enemy fighter. The M966 experimen- to be passed through or is the passing tal rvrrOE has pushed the task force .Low Maintenance - This criteria unit. Typically, the scouts effect the scout platoon into what is primarily a heavily favors wheels, which are initial link-up. A nighttime approach reconnaissance role. To accomplish stealthier anyway. by a turreted-tracked vehicle can only this, it is heavy in night observation be acquired in thermal.... (Without a devices and stealthy vehicles; our ve- .Quiet engine - Whatever power thermal IFF system, the only safe- hicles were even modified to mount plant is eventually- selected, it needs to 24 ARMOR - September-October 7997 be quiet. Because tires are signifi- Endnotes It was also conducted under radio listening cantly quieter than tracks, a wheeled silence. The MILMO was a very useful means of checking the various positions, scout may be the way to go. 'Numerous ARMOR magazine artides as well as running reports to the nearest and letters to the editor have addressed land line. .Use the whole crew - The M3's this debate, in addition to Department of Army projects working on the platoon's or- 'As the task force passed through the two observers can barely see, and they platoon, it would pick up the rear, taking ganization. The 24th Infantry Division can only to the sides and EPWs, scouting the flanks, executing de- see rear. fielded two such test platoons. One con- molitions, and conducting MEDEVACs. Greater attention needs to be paid to sisted of eight M966 HMMWVs with four Throughout DESERT STORM, the platoon the observation ability of the entire motorcydes (Kawasaki KD 250s) and a va- itself took more than 100 EPWs and Crew. riety of experimental night vision equip- ment. The other was composed of four M3 worked with more than 30 Iraqi MEDEVACs. A medic was assigned the Bradleys, six M966 HMMWVs, and four to .Dual radio net and secure for ev- motorcydes (Kawasaki KD 250s). See platoon, and this proved to be very benefi- cial. For our own medical needs, our great- erybody - This serves many pur- Scribner, 'HMMWVs and Scouts, Do they poses: liaison, call for (with inter- Mix?" ARMOR, Jul-Aug 89. est concern was evacuation; the medic did fire assessment and stabilization. Working with nal FIST on digital), internal replace- 2Although both platoons had Platoon Iraqi soldiers and civilians alike (we found ments for destroyed vehicles, cross at- Early Warning System (PEWS) on their some civilians in the Euphrates River Val- tachment, monitoring adjacent compa- property books, neither considered them ley who had been robbed and mistreated nies, and so on. useful. The 4-64 Armor scouts never de- by Iraqi soldiers), the medic helped win ployed them in DESERT SHIELD or their confidence and trust. This in turn net- STORM. They were quickly relegated to ted us even more EPWs. .Turret-mounted weapons - storage as non-critical equipment in favor 25mm, 20mm, SO cal., 7.62mm, Mk of supplies or other mission-essentialgear. 'Combat Dewdopments white Paper, 19. Anything like this is a viable op- Armor Conference, May 1991. %e USAARMS Directorate of Combat tion. The scout does not need to be a Developments released Combat Develop- '%roughout DESERT SHIELD and tank killer; he has a whole battalion of ments at the May '91 Armor Conference at DESERT STORM, TF 4-64 Armor deployed Fort Knox. a variety of navigational aids. These in- those folks behind him. cluded Global Positioning System (GPS- %e scouts of the M966 platoon had M3 preferred), LORAN, and "converted" grid- .Night Observation Devices - experience. but the reverse was not true. LORANS. In each case, the operator needs Every scout has to have one. As a rule, the M966 radio systems held up to be trained differently for each system be- better than their Bradley counterparts cause they had their own peculiarities. Fur- throughout DESERT SHIELD/DESERT ther, standard LORAN deals in longitude .Navigation system - GPS , STORM. In either platoon, the ANNRC-46, and latitude - not military grids. LORAN, or something similar. Accu- ANNRC-12. and ANNRC-160s were the rate location, even in unfamiliar ter- systems in use. Neither platoon had the rain, is a must. Compatibility with necessary kits to provide secure radio other deployed systems is also vital." below the vehicle radio level. Thus, dis- mounted operations could not be con- First Lieutenant (P)Charles ducted in a secure mode. .Keep it small - Undetectability is W. Gameros, Jr. is a 1987 the name of the game, so don't give 51n the attack on BP102 (Initial break of graduate of the United States Iraqi LOC), one of the M966s struck a sin- Military Academy. He has at- the FSV a large profile. gle DPlCM dud. It damaged the transmis- tended AOBC, SPLC, JOMC, sion and blew both rear tires. The vehicle That's a tall order for any vehicle, was out of action for approximately 8-12 NBC, and Airborne Schools. but it's one that neither the M966 hours for repairs. The crew suffered no He has also completed the casualties. HMMWV, nor the M3 CFV can to- Marine Corps Amphibious tally fill today or in the foreseeable 'During the battle of the Rumaila oilfield, Warfare School. He has served as tank platoon future. The scouts of tomorrow will TF 4-64 Armor was responsible for an area approximately 10 x km. Within this area, fight on an information intensive bat- 20 leader, scout platoon leader, the task force was directed to destroy all and is currently an assistant tlefield. The is going to have to FSV military equipment. In pursuit of this objec- for 4-64 Armor, 24th ID. be a capable, versatile vehicle fielded tive, the scouts destroyed 60 trucks, 10 ar- S-3 He served as the task force in a flexible, reconnaissance oriented tillery pieces, large ammunition stocks, and other military vehicles. This often required scout platoon leader for 4-64 organization. The HMMWV and CFV the platoon to operate in areas that would Armor, 1st Brigade, 24th In- MTOEs offer many strengths, but have been clearly impassable to M3s. fantry Division (Mech) during their respective weaknesses point the 7~f~recrossing into Iraq, the platoon DESERT SHIELD and way for future development. Hope- conducted a screening mission to the front STORM. fully, a survivable but stealthy vehicle of the task force. This was a semi-static is the sham of things- to come. screen line composed of section outposts. ARMOR - September-October 1991 25 il. f How Rommel Applied Lesso To His Afrika Korps Operatic by Major James M. Milano he participated in several battles and the Western Front, never having been campaigns. There he developed tech- converted to a ‘siege warfare’ prop niques for attacking fortified positions nentW5His experiences in Italy and and incorporating concentrakd fires, Rumania reinforced to him the re- During World War I, Erwin Rommel deception measures, reconnaissance, quirement for mobility, deception, re- demonstrated and refined many of the and detailed organization for combat connaissance, preparation and organi- tactics he would later use in North Af- into his plans. Infantry Attacks, zation for combat, and direct leader- rica during World War II. Rommel’s Rommel’s personal account of his ship as integral components of all op skillful use of terrain, intense recon- World War I experiences, is replete erations. These components were par- naissance activities, reliance on de- with examples of successful applica- ticularly prominent in his actions dur- ception and surprise, thorough prepa- tion of these tactics in a variety of sit- ing the Battle of Caporetto. ration for battle, command and con- uations? trol, clever methods of attack, and As part of the Wurttemberg Moun- rapid transition from offense to de- In October 1915, Rommel assumed tain Battalion during this battle, the fense were common characteristics of command of a company in the re- Rommel Detachment consisted of his operations in both world wars.’ cently activated Wurttemberg Moun- three mountain companies and one His tactics in each “’reliedbasically on tain Battalion, part of the elite Alpen machine gun company. Its mission deep penetration behind enemy lines, Korps. Assigned in December 1915 to was to protect the right flank of the and unhesitating decisions to attack in a relatively quiet sector in the Vosges Bavarian Infantry Life Guards, take the [enemy’s] rear.”2 Rommel’s meth- Mountains of France, the battalion the hostile batteries near Foni, and ods of warfare were so successful in had limited and infrequent enemy follow the Life Guards to the World War I1 that the British were contact. In October 1916, Rommel’s Matajur! only able to defeat the Afrika Korps battalion deployed to the Italian- with overwhelming odds in men and Rumanian Front, where he was to At the end of the 52-hour offensive, materiel? spend the remainder of the war and the Rommel Detachment had captured fight the majority of his combat ac- 150 officers, 9,000 men, and 81 artil- Rommel’s fmt combat actions of tions. This was to have particular sig- lery pieces. Rommel repeatedly sur- World War I were in 1914-15 as a nificance for his experiences during prised and deceived his enemy with platoon and company commander in World War lI, for Rommel in effect outflanking maneuvers, tirelessly per- northern France and Belgium, where “escaped the wholesale bloodletting of formed personal reconnaissance - 26 ARMOR - September-October 1991 s Learned in WWl IS in WWll

most often while his soldiers rested - before attacking, and rapidly switched to the defensive to thwart enemy counterattacks. Always leading from the front, Rommel “from time to time... called a halt so that Del could withdraw just before his attack on Mt. garrison. “In the attack, the effects of personally survey the possibilities of a Matajur, Rommel disregarded the the machine gun and heavy artillery closer approach to the enemy line^."^ order, continued his attack, and seized fire against the hastily entrenched Furthermore, his attacks were well the summit. His reasoning for not enemy proved to be especially synchronized and prepared. For exam- obeying the order was that he felt it strong.”” The following account of ple, in the attack of Hill 1192, “while was issued without adequate knowl- the opening moments of his attack in- the first heavy machine gun opened edge of the situation on the front, and, dicated his understanding of the syn- up a steady fire on the enemy from its therefore, could not be obeyed.” This ergistic benefits of the synchronized concealed position on the right, where undoubtedly reinforced his conviction application of combat power: “Punc- it was soon joined by the second, the that leaders must be well forward in tually at 1115 the first heavy shells... mountain troops on the left stormed combat to make accurate, timely deci- burst in the midst of the ... Italian the enemy flank and rear with savage sions. lines... A fitting prelude to the attack! resolution.ns Assault teams were used Now the machine gun fire units on to “feel out the hostile position,” Rommel’s extensive preparations Hill 1192 went into action, and the as- while concealed reserves outflanked and efforts to ensure synchronization sault teams on the north and south and attacked deep.”’ were best illustrated in his attack slopes of the height got under way.”’* against Kuk, a fortified mountaintop Officer scout squads reconnoitered stronghold held by the Italians. His Rommel, nearly 25 years later, used key terrain, avenues, obstacles, and plan was to attack first with only two many of these tactics and techniques enemy dispositions, and Rommel used assault teams, as a reconnaissance-in- with great success in North Africa as this information as the basis of his force element, each under the fire sup- commander of the renowned Afrika plans. Additionally, to maintain his port of one machine gun company, six Korps. He himself personally recon- momentum and initiative, his detach- light machine guns, and two heavy ar- noitered the battlefield, using either a ment attacked readily whenever it met tillery battalions. The main body station wagon, armored car, or plane, the enemy. Even when ordered to would then encircle the entire Kuk sharing the resultant information with

~~ ARMOR - September-October 7997 27 his subordinates over the radio, rather line to the south and then attack tion of his force to secure a mmdi- than face-to-face as he did in World north-northeast to seize T~bruk.’~The rect line of supply for his striking War I. He developed detailed fire opening move of the attack was to be force. Though hard-fought, the move plans to support his scheme of maneu- a frontal attack by Italian infantry di- was successful, completely taking the ver. His transition from offense to de- visions, with strong artillery support, British command by surprise. During fense was swift, digging in men and to lead the British into thinking that this particular action, as with others, guns and emplacing minefields. Fur- Rommel’s main attack was in the Rommel was characteristically up thermore, Rommel attacked whenever north and center of the Gazala line. front, often personally leading assault possible, making maximum use of ‘The idea of a German frontal attack elements, for he fmly believed that surprise and deception against invari- against the Gazala position could not “it is... in the commander’s own inter- ably superior forces. appear so very far-fetched to the Brit- est to have a personal picture of the ish command, as it was quite within front and a clear idea of the problems Rommel’s leadership techniques as the bounds of possibility that we his subordinates are having to face.”21 well remained largely unchanged in would prefer it to the risky right hook World War I1 from those of World round Bir Hacheim [at the southern It took Rommel another two weeks War I. “[His] lengthy and frequent end of the Gazala line].”20All move to secure the entire Gazala line, the visits to the front enabled him to ment during daylight was to be di- fortified French position at Bir make instant decisions about tactics, rected toward the point of the Italian Hacheim resisted the longest. With forcing subordinate commanders to infantry’s attack, and dust-raising ve- this line now under his control, he show similar energy and initiative hicles - trucks carrying airplane en- could direct his efforts toward the for- with their units and inspiring lower gines and propellers - were used by tress of Tobruk His plan relied on the ranks to extraordinary feats.”I3 He other units to suggest the approach of synchronization of many elements of kept his staff in the rear and remained large annored forces. The assault or combat power as well as the custom- out of contact, often for days. When flanking element was to demonstrate ary guile, cunning and deception Rommel did return to his headquar- toward the Gazala line, and then rep plans. Because Tobruk was protected ters, it was for a quick (five-minute) sition at night to its actual assembly on its eastern and western sides by summary of the situation from his area farther south. Rommel executed rocky, trackless country, Rommel staff, followed by his issuing guidance this same type of outflanking move- could not outflank it deep and to the and orders.14His leadership style was ment in conjunction with a frontal at- rear. He had to penetrate the garrison hard, uncompromising, and imper- tack demonstration several times dur- defenses, with all available combat sonal, yet he enjoyed joking with the ing the Battle of Caporetto. power focused at the point of penetra- troops and understood the incalculable tion. This was another tactic perfected value of a leader to whom lower-rank- Though Rommel lost one-third of by Rommel during his World War I ing soldiers could relate.” his tanks on the !%st day of the experiences, where his machine guns Gazala battle, largely to superior tech- and artillery, when available, focused Rommel’s Gazala and TOWcam- nology (British forces had recently re- their suppressive firepower against his paign, the high point of the desert war ceived the U.S.-made Grant tank), he assault teams’ point of penetration. for the Afrika Korp~,’~most clearly nonetheless had significantly “un- illustrated the essence of his tactics hinged” the British defense. More im- He launched a feint attack from the and their similarity to those of World portant, he caused the British com- southwest to conceal his true inten- War I. By striking first and seizing the mander, General Ritchie, to commit tions and pin down the garrison at that port of Tobruk, Rommel could pre- his armor reserves piecemeal into bat- point. After a deceptive maneuver, the vent the further build-up of British tle. Forced to temporarily assume the main assault force was to advance on forces in North Africa. To seize To- defense to reorganize, Rommel was the fortress from the southeast, deploy bruk, he had to first defeat the British able to wear down the British superi- for the assault during the night and, defensive line vicinity Gazala, a line ority of numbers through his skillful after a heavy divebomber and artillery that was heavily mined and fortified defense while simultaneously prepar- bombardment, launch its assault at to cover the approaches to Tobruk. ing for another offensive stroke. dawn and overrun the surprised “The entire line was remarkable for enemy. Lanes through the extensive the extraordinary degree of technical The next three days of the battle minefields were to be cleared for the skill which had gone into its construc- constituted the critical phase of the assault forces during the night.a The tion.”17 campaign, for Rommel’s lines of sup- plan worked exceedingly well, and the ply around the southern end of the Germans seized Tobruk in approxi- Believing that “bold decisions give Gazala line had been cut. Rommel, in mately 24 hours. the best promise of success,”18Rom- a surprise move, decided to attack the Erwin Rommel was a brilliant tacti- me1 planned to outflank the Gazala Gala line from the east with a por- cal commander whose experiences 28 ARMOR - September-October 1991 during World War I, Medifenanean Sea . GAZALA A- principally as a leader in d- -- an elite mountain battal- .... ion, taught him many of the tactics and techniques he would later use as TALlP commander of the Afrika Korps during World War 11. He realized mechani- zation had significantly altered warfare in that "speed of maneuver in operations and quick re- action in command m decisive," and that "troops must be able to carry out operations at top speed and in com- plete coordination."P Yet, these same parame- ters characterized his op Rommel's Attack at Gazala erations as an Alpine in- May, 1942 fantry unit commander during World War I. Fur- them-ore, his use of surprise and de- 2Chartes Douglas-Home, Rommd, (New "lbid., p. 205. ception, his tireless efforts to person- York: Saturday Press Review, 1973). p. 29. "Ibid., p. 202. ally reconnoiter the battlefield, his 'Major K. J. Macksey. Atiika Corps. (New 211bid., p, 224. rapid transition, when required, from York: Ballantine Books, 1968). p. 44. Macksey indicates these odds were ap- 221bid., p. 225. offense to defense, his thorough prep proximately a 6-to-1 advantage in tanks, =/bid. arations to synchronize combat power, amassed in 20 British divisions. 24Douglas-Home,p. 29. his personal influence on events on 'Chapter II, "Combat in the Argonne,' the battlefield, and his relentless at- provides several illustrative examples. tack and pursuit of the enemy were all ?ruman R. Stobridge, 'Old Blood and characteristic of his actions in both Guts and ttie Desert Fox,' Military Review, (June 1984), p. 35. Major James M. Milano re- world wars. ceived his commission in 'Field Marshal Etwin Rammel, Attacks. 1979 from Lafayette College. Rommel's "...early experiences 1937. (Vienna: Athena Press, 1979), pp. of 206-7. He has had a variety of as- war left their mark on him, for he al- 71bid., p. 223. signments in tank and cavalry ways seemed to think of battle as a '/bid, p. 230. units, to include combat sup- kind of wild dance, an adventure, in port company and tank com- which he had to pit his imagination - '/bid., p. 236. ''lbid., p. 271. pany command in 2-72 actually his genius - against improb- Armor, Republic of Korea, '' Ibid., pp. 249-50. able odds."24 His legendary success and armored cavalry troop 121bid., p. 237. using similar tactics in two severely command in the 11th Ar- different environments of war, one in 13Len Deighton, WiMeg. (London: Jon- athan Cape. 1979), p. 238. mored Cavalry Regiment, which he commanded a mountain in- FRG. He has also sewed as fantry detachment and in the other an 14Verner R. Carlson, 'Portrait of a Ger- man General Staff Officer,' Military Review, S3, 1st Squadron, and regi- annofed corps, are proof of that ge- (April 1990). pp. 74-5. mental adjutant, 11th ACR. A nius and imagination. '5Desmond Young, Rommel. The Desefi 1991 graduate of the Com- Fox. 1950. (New York: Quill, 1978), p. 25. mand and General Staff Col- "Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, The lege, he is currently attending Notes Rommel Papers. 1953. Ed. B. H. Liddell- the School of Advanced Mili- Hart (New York: Da Capo Press, 1985), p. 232. tary Studies, Fort Leaven- 'Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, lnfaniry worth, Kan. Aftacks, (Washington: The Infanby Journal. 17/bid.. p. 195. 1944), p. ii. "lb id... p. 201.

ARMOR - September-October 1991 29 50th Anniversary - 5th Armored Division 5th AD, the “Victory Division,” Was First to Fight on German Soil

World War II Campaigns

Normandy Exploiting with its mobil- success Northern France ity, the 5th AD advanced more Rhineland than 500 miles in its first month in MG Lunsford E. Oliver, 5th AD commander, Ardennes-Alsace combat. It’s 85th Recon Squadron gave his division a unique combat edge by Central Europe was the first Allied unit to enter marrying tank and infantry companies while training for the Normandy invasion. Germany from the west.

The 5th Armored Division was shelled the coast about 50 miles away. in March 1943, the 5th hmed over all formed as part of the expansion of the Soldiers from the 5th responded by equipment and vehicles to the 6th Ar- Armored Forces during World War II. patrolling the beaches. As part of the mored Division. The “Victory Divi- The 5th played a major role in the Western Defense Command, the divi- sion” loaded on trains and moved to fighting in Europe, and it was the first sion held “vacate camp alerts.” When bivouac areas in Tennessee. For three division to fight on German soil. Its a Japanese fleet cruised through the months, the 5th drew new equipment outstanding combat record justifies its North Pacific in May 1942, the 5th and maneuvered in the field. Then in nickname - ‘‘Victory Division.” deployed to defend the coastline and July 1943, the division moved to Pine Los Angeles. New men and equip Camp, New York. Here, the “Victory General Orders, Headquarters, Ar- ment continued to arrive, and the Mo- Division” began a new intensive train- mored Force, activated the 5th Ar- bilization Training Program went on. ing program. Once again, the table of mored Division on 1 October 1941, at By mid-summer, the 5th mhed a organization went through a reorgani- Fort Knox, Kentucky. Men fkom the full strength of 15,000. In August zation. The 5th would retain this final 3rd and 4th Armored Divisions 1942, a group of officers and men left organization for the remainder of the formed the initial cadre. Slowly, the for Camp Beale California, where War. skeleton unit began training, and new they became the cadre for the 13th men and equipment arrived. In mid- Armored Division. At the same time, In December 1943, the division October 1941, the first medium tanks the rest of the 5th moved to moved to Indiantown Gap Military arrived: five M-3s. The declaration of California’s Mojave Desert. Reservation in Pennsylvania for prep war in December 1941 quickened the aration for overseas deployment. In pace of training. The “Victory Divi- For three months, the 5th lived tacti- February 1944, the division moved to sion’’ spent January 1942 reorganizing cally in the field and participated in Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, for final from a heavy to a light armored divi- corps-level maneuvers. In September prepmtions. Finally, on 9 February sion table of organization. Then in 1942, two artillery battalions left the 1943, the “Victory Division” sailed February 1942, the 5th moved by rail 5th for the fighting in North Africa. for England aboard the U.SA.T. Ed- to Camp Cooke, California A cadre Soon, two new battalions from Fort mund B. Alexander and HM.S. of men remained at Fort Knox to help Sill replaced them. During this desert Athlone Castle. The division spent form the 8th Armored Division. training, over 100 new officers arrived five months in England, both training .- . .- . ... from Fort Knox and Fort Benning. In and operating marshalling camps for During the mnnae, Me sowers re- November 1942, the division assem- the assault forces. Also, MG Oliver, ceived SO caliber machine guns for bled at Needles, California It spent a the 5th’~commander, implemented anti-aircraft defense. Nine days after month refitting with new equipment, the concept of marrying tank and in- the 5th arrived, a Japanese submarine then returned to Camp Cooke. Then, fantry companies for training. The en- 30 ARMOR - September-October 7991 hanced teamwork paid great dividends On 26 August 1944, the 5th joined more maneuver. Once again, the 5th in battle. LTG Hodges’ First Army. Four days used superior mobility to prevent the later, it moved through Paris to spear- enemy from organizing a strong de- On 25 July 1944, the 5th landed head the V Corps’ drive east. The fense. The “Victory Division” ex- across Utah Beach, France. That same “Victory Division” never allowed the ploited into the enemy rear and used day Allied bombers blasted a breach enemy to establish a coherent defense. roadblocks to destroy or capture large into the enemy defense at St. Lo. Ini- By 2 September 1944, the 5th had numbers of troops. The 5th reached tially, the division was in corps re- crossed the Oise River, penetrated the the Rhine River on 5 March 1945, serve. Then on 6 August 1944, the Compiegne Forest, and reached the and the 75th Infantry Division came “Victory Division” received orders to Belgian border. Retreating Germans up to relieve it. push forward and seize Le Mans. were aghast to find the “Victory Divi- Swiftly, the 5th drove through sion“ in their rear blocking the roads On 31 March 1945, the 5th crossed Coutances, Avranches, and Vitre, back to Germany. More than 50,000 the Rhine near Wessel. The following crossed the Mayenne River, and took surrendered to the advancing 1st In- day, it attacked east and once again Le Mans on 8 August 1944. Now, fantry and 3rd Armored Divisions. broke into the German rear. In 13 LTG Patton’s Third Army cut down Once again, the 5th attacked east. It days, the “Victory Division’’ pene- and mund the German Seventh crossed the Meuse River and took trated 260 miles into Germany. The Army. The “Victory Division” led the Sedan. Five days later, the division division isolated pockets of resistance, advance. Once the Germans realized overran the City of Luxembourg and destroyed communications centers, the threat, they despemtely tried to captured the transmitting facilities of and ovem defensive positions before prevent the encirclement, but the 5th Radio Luxembourg intact. On 11 Sep- the enemy could man them. Before it quickly burst through roadblocks, by- tember 1944, the “Victory Division’s” received word to stop, the 5th had passed strong resistance, and drove 85th Recon Squadron became the fmt reached the Elbe River in three places. deeper into the German rear. Once the Allied unit to enter Germany from the The lead elements had advanced to division reached Argentan, it tumed west. By 20 September 1944, the 5th within 45 miles of Berlin. No other its positions over to the 90th Infantry had reached Bettingen, Germany, and American unit fought closer to the Division and attacked toward the forced a salient into the “West Wall.” German capital. The 5th was still on Seine River. Before the enemy could the Elbe when hostilities ceased on 7 react, the 5th captured Dreux, bisected In November 1944, the 5th moved May 1945. the Em-Seine Triangle, and reached into the Huertgen Forest. For more the Seine. This action trapped the than a month, the “Victory Division” After the war, the “Victory Divi- German units that had escaped from battled fierce resistance to penetrate sion” remained in occupation in Ger- Normandy. During its fmt month in this natural obstacle. Despite heavy many. The points system rotated men combat, the “Victory Division” had casualties, the division took Kleinhau, in and out of the division. Then in advanced more than 500 miles. Brandenburg, and Bergstein. The Ger- September 1945, the entire division mans contested every ridge and vil- moved to France to prepare for the lage in the rugged terrain. Finally, the journey home. Units turned in equip 5th reached the Roer River on 20 De- ment and loaded onto ships bound for cember 1944. The 8th and 83rd Infan- New York. On 11 October 1945, the Wwll Commanders try Divisions came up in relief; the 5th Armored Division was deactivated 5th moved into reserve for a well de- at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. Today, MG Jack W. Heard served rest. members of the unit maintain an ac- October 1941-March 1943 tive veterans organization, For most of January 1945, the 5th MG Lunsford E. Oliver remained in Belgium in reserve. New March 1943-July 1945 men and equipment replaced losses from the Huertgen Forest. The “Vic- BG Morrill Ross tory Division” then joined LTG This unit history was re- July 1945-September 1945 Simpson’s Ninth Army. The refreshed searched and prepared by “Victory Division” captured Eicher- Captain John Buckheit during MG Holmes E. Dager scheid and Colmar. On 25 February his temporary assignment to September 1945-October 1945 1945, the division crossed the Roer ARMOR Magazine in Sum- River, where open terrain allowed mer 1990.

ARMOR - September-October 7991 31 In addition to Bradleys and HMMWVs, the Gulf War also showed the Army what the LA V-25 Could do in the scout role. 1 The LAV-25 in the Scout Role

by First Lieutenant (P) John Alan Hyatt

This article will address the deploy- The LAV-25 consistently exceeded In early August 1990, elements of ment to Saudi Arabia and the combat expectations. Automotively, the LAV the scout platoon of 3-73 Armor wete employment of the LAV-25 in the is extremely reliable. Throughout the at Ft. Chaffee and in the field at Ft. scout role. I will also address the ben- course of our ownership of the LAV, Bragg. The rapid assembly and de- efits and problems associated with the we have had only two engine failures, ployment of the platoon was due LAV-25 in its first U.S. Army over- one caused by a mechanic. The mainly to the extreme reliability of seas rapid deployment. weapon systems have consistently op- the LAV-25. No maintenance prob- erated with complete reliability. lems were severe enough to prevent The Army obtained some LAV-25s the platoon from coming together and in December 1989 to assess its possi- In August 1990, one element of the deploying to Saudi Arabia. Another ble use as a rapidly deployable armor scout platoon was at Ft. Chaffee for a key reason that the LAV-25s were system. Sixteen LAV-25s were ob- JRTC rotation, training for a low- to able to be deployed easily was the tained from the USMC in a hade mid-intensity conflict. Within two ability of four LAV-25s to fit on a agreement for MLRS systems. weeks of notification, the scout pla- single C-5. In fact, in addition to the toon was on the ground in Saudi Ara- four LAV-25s on my plane, a first At this time, the LAV was supposed bia preparing for a high-intensity con- sergeant’s HMMWV was also loaded. to achieve a Mean Miles Between flict. The actual deployment was sim- This demonstrates the ability of the Major Failure of 4,000 miles. A fast, plified because the LAV is wheeled LAV-25 to be deployed rapidly in the strategically and tactically mobile ve- and light. It can be carried by C-130, critical first phase of a force buildup. hicle, it is armed with an M242 25- C-141, and C-5 with one, two, and mm main gun and two M240 machine four vehicles per airplane respec- The LAV-25 is uniquely suited for guns. Because the Army wanted to tively. Although the LAV-25 is not the role of a scout vehicle. Its engine test it as a rapid deployment type ve- airdroppable, (the U.S. Army has re- produces very little noise, and what hicle, the LAV-25s were assigned to cently funded a $2 million contract to noise there is disperses well. This is the scout platoon of 3-73 Armor at Ft. modify all 16 LAVs for this purpose), accomplished in part by the muffler, Bragg. it can be airlanded easily. which directs the exhaust to the 32 ARMOR - September-October 7997 ground. It is extremely difficult to when time is critical, and bold, ag- large storage capability allows scouts pinpoint the location of the LAV-25 gressive reconnaissance is required. to carry more equipment necessary to by engine noise. This naturally in- We found that the flat expanses of the their missions, such as bangalore tor- creases the survivability of the scouts. desert greatly aided our ability to see pedoes. Through DESERT SHIELD/ and accurately engage enemy vehi- STORM,my scouts had little problem The LAV-25 has exceptional off- cles. In the event that we would have finding terrain features to hide behind. road and on-road mobility. On im- to use the Bushmaster, we were confi- proved surfaces, the LAV can attain dent that with the new and improved Another misconceived argument is speeds in excess of 60 mph. Off-road, ammunition we could execute guard that a wheeled vehicle cannot scout the LAV can traverse nearly all of the missions or counterreconnaissance for tanks. This is patently wrong, as terrain that a tank can. Its off-road missions. we proved in Saudi Arabia. The few mobility is far better than that of the places that the LAV cannot traverse HMMWV. The excellent transmission The large distances covered during could be scouted by dismounts. Addi- can handle the abuse of rapid gear Operation DESERT STORM made it tionally, most modem armies use shifting and high RPMs that are re- necessary to put the tanks on flatbeds. wheeled vehicles for scouting pur- quired when traversing deep sand or For this reason, they would not have poses. mud, similar to the te& we faced in been able to reinforce the scouts if Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Although needed. Situations like that demon- In conclusion, the LAV-25 is a vehi- scouts are best employed in a slow, strate clearly why scouts absolutely cle uniquely suited for scouting. Its deliberate fashion, speed is critical at must have some type of fmpower or problems are outweighed by its capa- those times when scouts are unable to they will surely be lost. In future con- bilities. My scouts and I have learned bypass and must cross large open dan- flicts, I sincerely doubt that the enemy to use the LAV-25 and, to a man we ger areas, like those in the deserts of is going to. wait for the American prefer it to both the Bradley and the Saudi Arabia and southem Iraq. The tanks to arrive to reinforce their scout HMMWV as a scout vehicle. The speed also allows the rapid creation of platoons. Without such a gun in sim- LAV-25 is already in production, and a screen line to allow tanks time to ar- ilar circumstances, the armor battalion will require no additional R&D or rive at their battle positions. Another will lose its most valuable asset. The other costs. In this time of budget tremendous mobility advantage is the other weapons on the LAV-25 are the constraints, the LAV-25 is ready for LAV-25's ability to swim large bodies M240 coax machine gun and the use now. The U.S. Army should make of water without Preparation. Although M240E1 machine gun. Both of these the LAV-25 a replacement for the this capability went unused during weapons are 7.62 mm, which is a HMMWV. Operations DESERT SHIELD and good size for their purposes. The DESERT STORM for obvious rea- smaller size of the ammunition allows sons, this capability greatly enhances scouts to carry other equipment. the ability of the scouts to accomplish their mission. Perhaps the one thing that sours First Lieutenant John Alan some about the LAV-25 is its size. Hyatt received his Regular The LAV-25 is well equipped with Although some people claim that it is Army Commission from weapons for a scout vehicle. Individu- too big for stealthy scouting, I main- Texas A&M University in als who claim that scouts should not tain that it is not a vehicle problem, 1987. After AOBC, he be armed are invariably not the scouts but a problem with training. With the served as a tank platoon out there on the screen line or zone LAV-25, scouts must be trained to be leader in 3-73 Armor, Ft. recon. The simple fact is that scouts more selective in the terrain that they Bragg, N.C. He was then need some type of self-defense against choose to traverse. In fact, the size of assigned to the scout pla- lightly armored vehicles. the LAV-25 is a benefit in several toon with the additional re- cases. Fmt, the height of the LAV al- sponsibility of fielding the The 25-mm is an excellent weapon lows the vehicle commander to have a LAV-25. He served as the for scouts. It is not so big that scouts far greater line of sight, enhancing his scout platoon leader until are tempted to engage tanks, but it is scouting ability. Another benefit of its the unit returned from DES- big enough to give the scouts the abil- size is that the LAV can carry four ERT SHIELDSTORM, then ity to break contact with thin-skinned dismounts with equipment under was assigned as an assis- vehicles. Scouts must be armed with armor in the back. This is far superior tant S3. He is scheduled to some type of gun like the 25-mm to the HMMWV. Additionally, the attend AOAC this fall.

ARMOR - September-October 1991 33 The Mk 19 MOD 3 Grenade Machine Gun on the MI and M3 by Captain Andrew Harvey and Sergeant First Class Robert Firkins

The U.S. Army Armor Force needs Abrams’ main gun, SO caliber ma- the M430 High Explosive Dual Pur- the capability to engage dismounted chine gun, and two 7.62-mm machine pose (HEDP) round are:’ infantry with an area-fire weapon be- guns cannot place high-angle fire on a yond the effective range of machine dug-in troop target. The M3/M2 Brad- MZ~Xeffective range area targets .1.... 221 2m gun fire. The need for this capability ley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) has a Max effective range point targets ..... 1500m Bursting radius ...... 60m was outlined in a speech by Brigadier 7.62-mm machine gun, TOW missile Casualty radius ...... 15m General Rabin, the commander of the launcher, and 25-mm chain gun. Kill radius...... 5m Israeli Defense Force (IDF) Armor While the 25-mm chain gun has a Armor penetration School, when he spoke to the U.S. High Explosive Incendiary Tracer (high hardness steel) ...... 51mm Army Armor School on 14 November (HEI-T) round with a five-meter Cydic rate (rounds per minute) ...... 325-375 1990. In that speech, he described bursting radius, it cannot be used to how a 60-mm mortar had been incor- deliver high-angle fire because the The Mk 19 MOD 3 grenade ma- porated internally into the Merkava fire control system of the BlW is not chine gun has several advantages. The Mk 3 tank. He then outlined the rea- set up for it, and the HEI-T ammo HEDP round is effective against both sons why the IDF felt it needed this self-destructs at 3000 meters. Because personnel and light armored vehicles. type of weapon on its tanks. of this, the HEI-T round would deto- With its high rate of fire, it can place nate in the air if high-angle fire was a heavy volume of fire on target IDF combat experience demon- attempted. Another problem is that the quickly. Another advantage is that the strated that large expenditures of ma- M3/M2 is vulnerable during reload- Mk 19 can be fired with a regular bal- chine gun ammunition against enemy ing. All present weapons systems are listic trajectory, or can be walked onto troops produced remarkably few unable to fire while any one of them a target firing high-angle from max enemy casualties. Direct machine gun is being reloaded. Finally, the M3/M2 elevation. Also, the Mk 19 could be fm against infantry in dug-in posi- BM cannot conduct simultaneous en- adapted easily for mounting on the tions or behind berms was not effec- gagements because only one of its M1 or M3/M2. A fmal advantage is tive. Infantry in positions beyond ef- weapons can be fired at a time. that the Mk 19 is in production. fective machine gun range of 800 to 900 meters can still effectively engage The diagram illustrates how the Mk armor with antitank weapons up to In the U.S. Army inventory, we pos- 19 can be modified to the M1 and 3000 meters. The Israeli tank’s inter- sess a weapon that can be mounted M3. These modifications are minor nally mounted mom can effectively easily, quickly, and cheaply on both and use components already in the engage infantry in trenches and fight- the M1 and M3/M2, and which will Army inventory (see Figure 1). ing positions with high-angle fire out meet the need to engage dismounted to 3000 meters. troops beyond 800-900 meters with On the M1, the Mk 19 Pintle high angle fire. That weapon is the Adapter Assembly can be adapted to Cumnt Bradley and tank weapons Mk 19 MOD 3 grenade machine gun. fit in place of the loader’s M240 cannot accomplish this task. The M1 The capabilities of this weapon firing mount.

34 ARMOR - September-October 7997 Modifying the MI and M3 for the Mk 19 Grenade Machine Gun gun range and in fighting positions I with a weapon system that is organic to its vehicles. The Mk 19 MOD 3 grenade machine gun, which is in pro- duction, with its high rate of fire, HEDP round characteristics, and ca- pability for high angle fire fills this need. Notes

’TM 9-1010-230-10, January 1989, p. 112, and FM 23-27, December 1988, p. 1- 8.

Captain Andrew S. Har- vey is a 1985 Distinguished Military Graduate of Appa- lachian State University and holds a Masters De- gree in Political Science. He served with the 3d Squadron, 2d ACR as a tank platoon leader, scout platoon leader, and troop XO. After completion of AOAC, he served as chief, Cavalry Weapons Division, US. Army Armor School. He is currently commander, F Troop, 1/12th Cavalry.

Sergeant First Class Rob- ert M. Firkins is a cavalry scout assigned as an in- The Mk 19 system should be issued The Mk 19 system should be issued structorhriter in the Weap- two per tank platoon. This would three per scout platoon. That would ons Department, U.S. Army allow for redundant capability in the give one to each section of an M3 Armor School. He has platoon while retaining two M24Os as CFV scout platoon. The M3 then served as a platoon ser- coax spares. Maximum recoil for the could conduct simultaneous engage- geant in 3d AD and 194th Mk 19 is only 500 lbs, which should ments and defend itself while reload- Armored Brigade; and as be no problem for the M1 loader’s ing. section sergeant in the 10th mount. and 1lth Cavalry. He is a On the M3, a Mk 16 MOD 0 stand The U.S. Army Armor Force needs graduate of the Bradley can be bolted on top of the turret on to be able to engage enemy troops Master Gunner Course. the commander’s side. who are beyond effective machine

ARMOR - September-October 7997 35 The Company XO’s Role In Tactical Operations by Major John W. Faulconbridge

What is the best role for the XO in available overwatch position where he breaching an obstacle, or assumption the company/tearn? What does the can both see what is going on and of control of a platoon attached on the doctrine mean? Am I wrong if my XO communicate with the battalion TOC move.**2 isn’t moving with one of the pla- and lateral units.”’ This was expanded toons? into the “fighting XO” concept, in Recently, this doctrine has received which the XO became an active attention as we seek to clarify just There may be as many answers to player in the maneuver of the com- what it means. It would be simple to these questions as there are companies pany. say that the commander is responsible in armor and infantry battalions. In for assigning missions to his subordi- the early 198Os, the Army .conducted Current doctrine further develops nates to ensure that all aspects of the a series of organizational changes, this earlier concept and expands on company’s missions are accom- which came to be known as “Division the role of the XO. FM 71-1 Tank and plished However, before the com- 86.” Perhaps the most radical change Mechanized Infantry Company Team, mander can make an appropriate deci- at the company level was not in its 22 Nov 88, explains, “The XO is sec- sion, he needs to understand the func- structure, but in the roles of the com- ond in command. Acting as net con- tions that need to be accomplished. pany executive officer (XO)and fmt trol station (NCS), he helps command The company commander has two sergeant (1SG). The XO’s role shifted and control the maneuver of the com- leaders in the company headquarters from that of “chief logistician” to one pany team. He receives and consoli- to cover three functions. These func- as the key communications link be- dates the tactical reports from the pla- tions are: NCS and communications tween the company and battalion and toons, then submits them to the battal- link to higher headquarters, coordina- as a second in command (2IC). The ion task force tactical operations cen- tion of CSS, and assistance with ma- fust ’sergeant became the company’s ter (TOC). Therefore, the XO must lo- neuver. Who accomplishes what func- logistic operator. The XO is still in- cate where he can maintain communi- tion and what function is most import- volved in the planning of logistics and cations with the company team com- ant becomes a matter of MElT-T and in coordinating support, but the first mander and the battalion task force the personalities and capabilities of sergeant has become the primary ex- TOC. He needs a position with good the XO and first sergeant. ecutor of CSS for the company. observation and fields of fire. The XO assumes command of the company The remainder of this article will The intent of this shift of roles was team as required. Before the battle, provide some thoughts on what cur- to allow the company commander to the XO (with the fmt sergeant) plans rent doctrine means and some tech- focus on maneuvering the company and supervises the company CSS. niques to assist the company com- without a simultaneous requirement to During preparation for movement, the mander in making informed decisions keep the battalion informed of the XO and the first sergeant make sure concerning which roles he assigns to company’s situation. FM 17-16 (Test), precombat inspections are complete. the XO and the first sergeant. First, an The Division ‘86 Tank Company, was Before the battle, the XO makes tacti- assumption concerning the role of clear when it stated, “The XO must be cal coordination with higher, adjacent, doctrine must be made. Doctrine is well forward in a tank. He does not and supporting units. He may aid in not regulation. Doctrine is a set of normally engage in the actual fight control of a phase of the battle such as guidelines, which provides a point of but positions himself in the nearest passage of lines, bridging a gap, departure for the application of

36 ARMOR - September-October 7997 MEITT. Thorough understanding of anticipate the needs of the unit and to will be corrected when we field a hard doctrine provides a reference for sub- initiate coordination early enough to vehicle for the first sergeant; until that ordinates and peers and assists units ensure continuous support. time, the XO may need to supervise in accomplishing synchronization be- the tracked vehicles of the company cause plans will be developed from Where should the XO be during the combat trains, while the first sergeant the same baseline. fight? This simple question may cause controls any wheels that are in the the most controversy within the 21C area. Just what does “assist the maneuver concept. Because the XO’s role is de- of the company” mean? Clearly, it fined as the NCS for the company and There are those who would keep the does not mean that the XO sits, look- the primary link between the company second tank from the headquarters ing over the commander’s shoulder, and battalion, good communication is section to function as the company like a vulture waiting for his chance a key factor in the XO’s position. commander’s wingman, while the XO to be in charge. Neither does it mean There may be times when the XO lo- assumes control of the commander’s that the XO routinely controls one of cates beside the company commander, HMMWV and operates the NCS from the platoons to ease the strain on the others when he is one or two terrain there. This is certainly not the pre- commander. The intent is that the XO features back, or still others when he ferred method because, if the XO is is available to help where needed; is located along one flank. Once required to assume command of the perhaps as the liaison between units again, we find that the commander company, he will need to have the during passage of lines or to conduct must make the decision concerning tank sent to him and will be required flank coordination. Perhaps he is posi- location based on the factors of to transition not only to command but tioned to overwatch a maneuver dur- METT-T. The 21C must have commo also to a different type of vehicle. De- ing limited visibility and to direct the up and down to be effective. Commu- pending on the situation that triggered unit onto the objective; or perhaps he nication is how the XO stays in- this shift of command, the XO may coordinates with the TOC to ensure formed about the actions of the com- transition from one vehicle to the next that a critical combat support asset is pany and remains prepared to take at a time when the company is in crit- available for the commander to em- command if he is needed. Communi- ical need of a guiding hand. In this

Ploy * cation is also the reason that the XO situation, the senior platoon leader may be the best choice for the com- would likely be better prepared to as- The XO may be placed where he pany commander to send for coordi- sume the immediate command of the can overwatch the actions of a platoon nation of passage of lines or with company and ensure that mission that has a new platoon leader or an units on an extended flank. This use focus is maintained. NCO platoon leader. The intent here of the XO will preserve the combat is not to have him command the pla- power of the platoons. Before and after the battle, the XO toon; rather it is to allow the XO to and the first sergeant work together to keep the commander informed, while What if the first sergeant is over- support the company. The XO plans the platoon leader concentrates on loaded with the logistics support? the company’s logistics, coordinates controlling his unit. These actions Does the XO have responsibilities in with the various staff officers if the may be accomplished concurrently execution of CSS during the fight? commander wants to modify the bat- with the function of serving as the The commander should assign the XO talion plan for logistic support, and communications link to the higher to cover the second most critical as- ensures that the company commander’s headquarters and will free the com- pect of the operation. This may mean plan can be supported. While the XO pany commander to focus on maneu- that the XO assumes control of the concentrates on coordination with the vering the company, rather than on company combat trains, freeing the S2 for attachments and the S4 and answering battalion’s requests for @- first sergeant to move to the rear to BMO for supply and maintenance, the formation. The XO who is fully aware correct supply deficiencies. The abil- first sergeant focuses on support of the tactical situation is the ideal ity to move the XO to cover this task within the company. The fmt sergeant person to link up with and brief a pla- assumes that he has developed the supervises resupply and preparations toon that is attached to the company knowledge of CSS during garrison and conducts inspections. The XO co- team. Likewise, the XO is in a posi- training or during earlier field prob- ordinates with the first sergeant to en- tion to pass information to the first lems. Another circumstance in which sure that preparations for the opera- sergeant concerning the status of the the XO might have to command the tion are completed. During consolida- company and to direct the assignment combat trains is when there is a sig- tion and reorganization, the XO deter- of medics and maintenance support. nificant threat, and the first sergeant mines the sites for the elements of the His in-depth awareness of the situa- would be at undue risk operating from trains and informs the first sergeant of tion of the company will allow him to his HMMWV. This second situation the priority of effort if it has changed ARMOR - September-October 7997 37 from the plan. Again, the XO concen- erations, the specific situation will locations. The doctrine outlining the trates on informing the battalion staff drive the company commander to a duties of the executive officer is about the status of the company and solution regarding the role of his XO. sound and should be retained as the directs the first sergeant while he exe- “Green tabbers” must be ready to foundation upon which we base his cutes the actions within the company. make decisions based on the guidance warfigh ting responsibilities. of doctrine and analysis of METT-T. As we have discussed, the location of the XO on the battlefield is not tied The doctrine addressing the com- Notes to a physical point as much as to a set pany XO’s role is clear. It establishes of tasks. The status of the company that the XO is second in command, ‘FM 17-16 (Test) The Division 86 Tank and the specifics of the mission will but not a deputy commander. He must Company, p. 1-5. guide the commander as he tasks the concern himself with all aspects of the ‘FM 71-1, Tank and Mechanized lnfantty XO. Those tasks will guide the XO as operation: that is, he serves as NCS, Company Team, p. 2-1. he chooses his position. During the communicating to the battalion: he battle, the role of the XO will shift serves as the logistics coordinator, back and forth between focusing on providing guidance to the first ser- Major John W. Faulcon- logistics and maneuver. To use the geant; he assists with external coordi- bridge was commissioned XO as 21C allows the company com- nation of the company’s actions: and from the United States Mili- mander to concentrate his attention on he must also be prepared to assume tary Academy in 1978. He the maneuver of his platoons. The di- command of the unit if the com- served as a tank platoon vision of tasks between the XO and mander is incapacitated. The XO’s leader, scout platoon leader, first sergeant ensures that all aspects role will be more akin to that of a and company XO at Ft. Car- of the battle are covered efficiently. rheostat than a switch as he balances son; as company com- The XO focuses from the company his efforts between concentrating on mander and in battalion staff trains forward, while the first sergeant logistics and operations, because both positions in Germany; and coordinates with the battalion staff for are essential to success of the opera- as an instructor and doctrine CSS actions. The structure of the tion. Commanders must address all el- writer at the Armor School command in the battalion may affect ements of METT-T as they assign and S3, 5-12 Cav, both at the task, if the battalion commander tasks to the XO and should place the Fort Knox. He is currently always wants to speak to the company XO at the second most critical area of OIC, ROTC, Salisbury State commander, then the XO may be bet- the operation. The tasks assigned will University, Salisbury, Md. ter used working the CS and CSS as- determine the roles assumed by the pects of the operation. As with all op- XO and first sergeant as well as their The Soul of Armor I have seen the dust of 58 tanks And I’ve smelled the unwashed bodies of Ghost-like, illuminated my crew, By the blood-red predawn sky The weariness etched in dusty lines And I’ve felt the rumbling of their tracks Around their tired eyes. Reverberating in my bones. Yet I’ve been thrilled with the tracer arcs The clang of steel on steel, and the As they danced across the starlit night anticipation And I’ve gloried in every main gun round Of upcoming contact. That tore apart the very sky. A clash of voices guiding me, as I guide others The soul of Armor lies within To the rhythm of the turret’s whine. The crews of these leviathans Who work and sweat and struggle on I’ve coughed and choked on diesel fumes All day, all night, ’till the bitter dawn. Acrid in the morning air -Captain Gregory M. Smith (Ist Place Wnner, Short Poem Division. The DESERT SHIELD/STORMAmy Creative Writing Contest) 30 ARMOR - September-October 1991 The Muzzle Boresight Device Where Have We Gone?

by Staff Sergeant Michael G. Cover

There is a need for an accurate, yet .and the devices’ inability to main- light port of the non-standard device simple, Muzzle Boresight Device tain collimation. or through the front of the M27 Pye (MBD) to satisfy the need of armor Watson to see the reticle in the MBD, units. Reported discrepancies and In May 1991, a user evaluation was the blue light on the target was not complaints by soldiers in the field conducted to compare the reliability visible. Various combinations of in- suggest that the current MBD does and overall performance of the tensity and color of light were used not completely fill the needs of armor M27A1 Lenzar, M27 Pye Watson, with no success. By shining a low- crewmen. and another non-standard device. The level red light through the light port M27 MBD was the predecessor of the of the M27A1 Lenzar, both the MBD Following the adoption of the fleet M27A1. The non-standard device was reticle and the blue light were visible. zero method in 1982, which requires used simply for comparison? Thus, if only a very low light source an MBD to calibrate the tank main is available at the target, only the gun fire control system, the Army at- The evaluation consisted of using M27A1 Lenzar can be used to bore- tempted to provide an MBD for each five tanks with crews, and two each sight the tank. fielded tank. The fleet zero method re- of the above mentioned MBDs. Over quires the use of an MBD, crew main- a three-day period, numerous bore- (2) Without the blue filter on the tenance checks, and the application of sight readings were collected under flashlight at the target, it was possible computer correction factors (CCFs), various weather conditions, to obtain to boresight the tank with all three de- to develop the proper ballistic infor- realistic data. Additionally, boresight- vices. mation for the round to strike the de- ing was conducted at night, primarily sired target. as a demonstration to compare which A question that needs to be ad- device provided the most accurate dressed is: What are the device colli- Once fielding of the current night boresight. mation errors as measured by DS/GS M26AllM27Al Lenzar began, user maintenance? evaluations and reports from the field During the evaluation, all three de- indicated that the device had some vices demonstrated both good and bad (1) While the test devices had colli- hardware reliability and performance points. None of the devices, however, mation errors ranging from 0.1 to problems. Additionally, the manual proved to be the ultimate MBD. One more than 0.5 mil, all could be colli- required some interpretation. of the most important points from the mated by DS/GS maintenance to es- test (also mentioned by soldiers in the sentially no error. The M27A1 From 1988-90, action was taken to field), is the need for a device that is Lenzars took about 10-20 minutes correct some of the inherent deficien- easily collimated to gun tubes, for a each, primarily due to the ease of cies. However, unmodified devices more accurate boresight. throwing the collimation off by mov- still remain in use.’ ing the optical head sideways. The The night phase proved the follow- M27 Pye Watson took even longer, The M26Al/M27Al MBDs have de- ing for all three devices. This proce- about 30-45 minutes, because the reti- tractors due in part to: dure is recommended for use by cle adjustments do not move in crews in the field! straight lines, and to tighten the lock- *poor performance of “initial” de- ing nuts often causes the collimation vices and the inadequacies of the ac- (1) A blue-filtered flashlight was to be thrown off. companying manuals taped on a panel 1200 meters from the tank. The light was barely visible (2) The procedures used to collimate .several moving parts compared to through the Gunner’s Primary Sight the M26Al/M27Al Lenzars by its predecessor, M26/M27 Pye Wat- (GPS) and through all three devices. DS/GS maintenance are different than son With this setup, the tank could not be those used by crews (boresighting) to .the inability of DS/GS mainte- boresighted using either the non-stan- check device collimation. The prob- nance to collimate the devices accu- dard device or the Pye Watson device. lem stems from the fact that the opti- rately with existing equipment When enough light shone through the cal head of the M26Alm7Al ARMOR - September-October 7997 39 Lenzar can be rotated independently increase in crew confidence and an mation criteria of (+/- 0.1 mil) cannot of the device’s main body. In the accurate device for that particular gun be met. field, the entire device, including op- tube, which in turn leaves support tics, is rotated 180 degrees when maintenance free for other missions. oreduce the need to split boresight boresighting the tank. In the mainte- readings in order to determine a mean nance manual, however, the collima- These points prove there is a need to reading, thereby reducing, in some in- tion instructions for the DS/GS techni- develop an MBD that includes the fol- stances, ammunition expended due to cian are not clear, but the pictures lowing characteristics: an improper boresight caused by a infer that once the device alignment is faulty device or by improper calcula- established at one position, then the oan internal eyepiece that does not tion of the mean boresight reading. device body (not the optics) is rotated move independently of the body. 180 degrees for a second reading. While serving as a master gunner Given that the optics head itself may oa durable body with minimal mov- with duties as an instructor/writer with have some collimation error in refer- ing parts. the Weapons Department, U.S. Army ence to the MBD main body, it would Armor School, Ft. Knox, Ky., I have seem the technique of rotating only oa storage case that provides ease! of had the opportunity to participate in the MBD main body, and not the op- storage on the vehicle, Le., tubular evaluations using various MBDs. Ad- tics, could induce an error. This is shape, instead of a box. ditionally, working with lessons supported by DESERT STORM feed- learned fmm (DESERT STORM), back that, more often than not, the 010X magnification to allow accu- hearing and understanding soldier M27A1 Lenzars sent in to be colli- rate sighting of small targets. Addi- preferences, it’s apparent that a sol- mated came back worse than when tionally, an adapter lens to allow dier-proof MBD is desired Therefore, they were sent in. Feedback also indi- boresighting at shorter ranges, reduc- from the tanker perspective, I feel the cated that when crews collimated the ing parallax. MBD situation needs to be re-evalu- device to their “tube,” the device ated. The solution I have suggested worked well. oa diopter that allows the eyepiece may be a viable alternative? to be focused to one’s eye. (3) When viewing the MBD reticle Notes overlaid on the reticle in the optical oan aiming reticle, designed in the bench, the DS/GS technician must es- shape of an aiming cross, which helps ’Devices with serial numbers below 9OW timate distances using reticle line to ensure accuracy during each lay. should be turned in to be replaced with a modified device. widths or dots. The reticle in the opti- bench is graduated in 0.5-mil in- .a light port (window), to allow for *The non-standard device could be colli- cal mated to the gun tube with ease by turning crements, which is not very useful to night boresighting. lwo external hexagon screws independently provide precise measurements. On the of each other to align the reticle in azimuth other hand, the crew using the GPS oand most important of all, external and elevation. In order to collimate the reticle is capable of measuring angles adjustments that afford crew members M26AliM27Al Lenzar, one must use two screwdrivers at the same time or. depend- from 0.1 to 0.01 mil using the Com- or master gunners the opportunity to ing on the user preference, one screwdriver puter Control Panel (CCP). The collimate the device to gun tubes, to align the reticle for collimation. The DS/GS technician needs a device with thereby alleviating the need to evacu- M26Al/M27Al Lenzar is not as simple to similar capability. On the other hand, ate the device to DS/GS maintenance collimate as the non-standard device. The for collimation. M26iM27 Pye Watson can be collimated to to afford crew members or master the gun tube, however this is more difficult gunners the opportunity to collimate than with the other devices. the device to gun tubes would allevi- However, as an interim fm, modifi- 3~meinformation in this article is from ate this problem. cations can be made to existing de- Preliminary Report. Muzzle Boresight De- vices or procedures so tankers have vice (MBD) Test, 21-23 May 1991, dated 3 Recent evaluations have shown that the opportunity to collimate the de- Jun 91. the characteristics of the various de- vice to their gun tube with ease. Addi- vices provide either good performance tionally, crew training in this area or ease of use. To develop a device would solve the following problems: Staff Sergeant Michael G. that provides both good performance Cover served with the and ease of use will provide tankers othe need to evacuate the MBDs to Weapons Department, US. with a durable device with excellent DS/GS maintenance for collimation Army Armor School and is optics that the crew can inbore colli- and reduce the number of MBDs ex- currently assigned to the 2d mate in the bore. The net effect is an changed for new ones when the colli- Infantry Division.

40 ARMOR - September-October 1991 Ruminations of a Branch Chief

by Colonel Stephen E. Wilson

In command of your company for 12 doing the best personnel management officers’ desires), and to allow for the months now, you’re beginning to feel job possible for the Army’s finest - professional development of armor of- like a seasoned veteran. You’ve been the officers of Armor and Cavalry. ficers in accordance with DA Pam- in the motor pool for two hours and phlet 600-3. These two missions go the wet bulb index is 92 degrees and As a “customer“ for many years, I hand-in-glove; for example, we assign climbing. The motor oflcer has just always wondered about the assign- officers who need “branch qualifica- finished a spiel about why HQ65 got ment process and how Branch func- tion” to boop units to acquire that the 02-priority part for which your tioned. I believed some of the myths qualification, after which, they are re- tank has been deadlined longer - about Branch that circulated in the assigned to non-troop locations to and no more parts are available for at field and often discussed professional continue their development, allowing least another week. The “S” service development issues with other offi- others the chance to become ‘‘branch for your 3d platoon is behind sched- cers, based on my experiences instead qualified.” DA Pam 600-3 is the ule, and the semiannual gunnery pe- of the requirements outlined in DA “bible” that everyone should use to riod begins in two weeks. Your Pamphlet 600-3, CommissionedOffi- plot their own professional develop gunner’s wife is pregnant with their cer Professional Development and ment throughout their career. first child, which is due in the middle Utilization. I’ve learned a lot about of gunnery (even though your gunner personnel management since then, and Organization insists that “she’s a trooper,” and I wanted to share what I’ve learned he’ll make it through tank table X). with you as I depart one of the most To accomplish our missions, we are You’re scheduled for the UCOFT at rewarding jobs an officer can ever task organized into six areas (See Fig- 0200 tomorrow. and you’ve been hav- hold - that of Annor Branch Chief. ure 1). The lieutenants’ desk handles ing problems getting past the matrix all personnel actions from accession “gate” for wing tank, multiple mov- Mission to active duty as a second lieutenant ing targets under NBC and degraded through the first troop assignment mode conditions. All in all, it’s been a Annor Branch has a twofold mis- after officer advanced course. Once a pretty normal day when, suddenly, sion: to make assignments that meet captain is branch qualified under the your first sergeant approaches with a Army requirements (while matching provisions of DA Pam 600-3, his ca- grin and says, “Sir,you just got a call from some captain in Armor Branch and he wants to discuss your next as- Armor Branch Organization signment with you.” DSN 221-9696

Armor Branch - the name invokes Branch Chief different images for different people. Those who have never visited our habitat in Hoffman 11 may envision it Future Readiness as a modern ivory tower equipped with new furniture, plush rugs, high- I I I I I I backed leather chairs, dependable and instantaneous worldwide communica- tions, and powerful computers capable of error-free data queries in nanosec- onds. Those who have visited Hoff- man II know better. Regardless of the equipment’s state, one thing remains constant - Branch’s commitment to Figure 1 ARMOR - September-October 1991 41 reer management in- formation file (CMIF) is passed to the captains’ desk. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The captains’ desk handles all personnel actions affecting I I I I II I I I I I branch qualified cap- I I I I I I I tains, from nominative lLT CVI/RA CPT CPT FA AACAccertbnBwd Phon Boad Boad Piwon Desb Boad/wMoiM w assignments and ad- vanced civil schooling to functional area des- ignation. When a cap- 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 tain is selected for I I II promotion, his CMIF is transferred to the majors’ desk, which I I I I handles all MAI Ez m LTC cpT(p) LTC LTC PiNn and majors’ assign- Wn ments from CGSC slating to troop/non- 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 troop/nominative as- signments. After a major is selected for promotion, his CMIF is transferred to the lieutenant colonels’ desk, which, like the ‘Required for branch qualification majors’ desk, handles Figure 2 all MAJ(P) and LTC assignments, such as senior service other CAD branches are Infantry, what constitutes branch qualification, college, battalion/squadron command Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, especially for majors, by next year. slating, and assignments. Aviation, and Special Forces. OPMD However, this article reflects the cur- has eight divisions and a headquarters. rent professional development model. Each desk also works overtime to In addition to CAD, OPMD includes a The Armor Center’s Armor Officer ensure that every file going before a Colonels’ Division, Functional Area Prdessional Development Guide is DA selection board is as complete and Management and Development Divi- another good source of information. accurate as humanly possible - an sion (FAMD), Combat Support Arms The input for both references is the herculean task. The Future Readiness Division, Combat Service Support Di- responsibility of DTAFR and is devel- Officer (FRO) is Branch’s key link vision, Health Services Division, Ac- oped in coordination with Armor between PERSCOM and the Armor cession, Reserve Appointments and Branch and FAMD. DA PAM 600-3 Mnnnnmmmnt l%&n;nn Wn-nt nffi- cnnt&nc thm Grnmlinms qnrl ;rnrv\rbnt proponency office at Fort Knox, the A.lcuulg~.n.rrrr Y1.OLWII, .. LuIulII. “&La- CW,IC(Il..* *..” U.I.”I”.W CU.U n.m.p.uumr Directorate of Total Armor Force cers Division, and Officer Distribution events/schools that constitute the pro- Readiness (DTAFR). He handles a Division (the G3 of OPMD). fessional development “gates” through large number of data queries and which each officer must pass to qual- backs up the assignment officers by ify for the next professional develop- conducting field trips and interviews. Professional Development ment step (see Figure 2). Armor The Chief of Armor Branch is located Branch uses DA Pam 600-3 as its in the headquarters. As mentioned earlier, DA Pam 600- guide or template to program your 3 is the “bible” for charting/forecast- next assignment, based on where you Armor Branch is one of six branches ing the professional development are in your professional development. in the Combat Arms~ Division~ __ (CAD).I? needs of our officers.- Currentlv_- under Because of its imwrtance. DA Pam Officer Personnel ManagemeniDirec- dockal review, DA Pam 6063 may 600-3 should be kandatory reading torate (OPMD), PERSCOM. The undergo some significant changes in for each officer. For lieutenants within four to four Factors Determining Assignment and a half years, the key professional development gates for branch qualifi- *Army requirements *Time on station cation are AOB (MEL 7) and a mini- *Nomination acceptance *Availability IocatiorVposition mum of 12 months TOE platoon leader time. Captains, to become *CTC experience *GO involvement branch qualified within a period of *Tour equity CONUS/OCONUS *Professional development seven and one-half to eight years, *Functional area development *Officer preference must complete a resident OAC (MEL *Field commanders’ demands *Joint/Tiile IV 6), successfully command 18 months (plus or minus six months: 12 months *Unprogrammed requirements *Officer performance at Fort Bragg and Korea), complete *Family & compassionate situations CAS3 (MEL N) before the ninth year of active Federal commissioned ser- vice (AFCS),and have a baccalaure- Figure 3 ate degree from an accredited college or university before the end of the eighth year of AFCS (CEL 5). tunately, the officer’s desires some- Sometimes, because of ODP, we can times don’t match his professional de- only get officers to a particular loca- Majors have a five to five and one- velopment needs, the Army’s require- tion by assigning them against valid half year “window” to acquire branch ments, or both. 01A (branch immaterial), 02A (com- qualification, which is defined cur- bat arms immaterial), or functional rently as a minimum of 12 months as area (FA) requisitions - an option a battaliodsquadron S3 or XO, or bri- Assignments we use to get those who need branch gadehgiment S3, and completion of qualification to a troop location other- CGSC-level schooling (MEL 4). DA Many variables affect assignments wise closed because the 122 ODP fill Pam 600-3’s doctrinal review may re- (see Figure 3). Standard assignments is at or above 100 percent. The officer sult in the deletion of the mandatory occur in cycles (see Figure 4) and are involved will have the opportunity to S3/XO assignment. If that decision is identified in requirements submitted eventually “walk into” a branch-quali- made, MEL 4 may be the only man- to PERSCOM by the major com- fying job. datory criterion. From those selected mands (MACOMs, i.e., USAREUR, for promotion to lieutenant colonel, FORSCOM, USMA, etc.) and vali- As mentioned earlier, most of the approximately 25 percent from any dated by OPMD’s Officer Distribution routine assignments are made “in one year group will have the opportu- Division. A key factor used by the cycle:” however, some requirements, nity to command at the battal- Distribution Division to validate the known as “shotguns,” are validated iodsquadmn level. The others will requisition is the officer distribution inside the normal cycle for a variety serve in key duty positions, such as plan (ODP). of reasons. Shotguns can be hard-to- school branch/division chief, division fill requisitions, or “in cycle” requisi- IG, nominative and/or functional area The Army’s Personnel Management tions which were filled, but unexpect- assignments, and joint assignments. Authorization Document (PMAD) es- edly became vacant (e.g., a ROTC Approximately 15 percent of Armor tablishes the number of active duty PMS position for which someone was lieutenant colonels and colonels will service members authorized by grade, approved, but unforeseen health prob- attend Senior Service College (MEL but the number available for assign- lems precluded compliance with the 1). A very fortunate few armor colo- ment is always less than those author- assignment instructions). Shotgun as- nels will be selected for brigadehegi- ized, for a variety of reasons. To equi- signments provide less than the opti- ment command. tably distribute these shortages, Offi- mum six to nine months planning cer Distribution Division applies ODP time provided by “in cycle” assign- Armor Branch uses DA Pam 600-3 against each MACOWpost. For ex- ments: in fact, some officers have to chart out each officer’s career pat- ample, if USAREUR’s ODP for moved with only one month’s notice. tern - where he’s been, where he is armor (122) lieutenant colonels is Tour equity and time-on-station now, and where he needs to go next. 120, and 119 are either assigned or (TOS) are other factors that influence We match the professional develop- projected, the Distribution Division our assignments. The longer one stays ment needs with the Army’s require- will validate a 122 lieutenant colonel in CONUS, the more vulnerable he ments and the officer’s desires. Unfor- requisition to USAREUR. becomes for an OCONUS assignment.

~ ARMOR - Sepfember-October 7997 43 Requisition Cycle Schedule branchqualified officer against a CONUS functional area or branch immaterial position at a troop location so he can Report Cycle ~eqsOpen eventually ‘‘walk into” a branch quali- Cycle Months Begins For Fill Closeout fying job. 01-92 JanFeb August 30 August 30 Sep 91 03-92 MarIApr October 1 November 29 Nov 91 Regardless of where you’re as- 05-92 MayIJun December 27 December 31 Jan 92 signed, job performance is important. 07-92 JulIAug February 28 February 31 Mar92 Some officers seem to feel that only 09-92 Seplocl April 24 April 29 May 92 11-92 NovIDec June 26 June 31 Jul92 branch qualifying jobs are important. Wrong! If you fall off the mark in any OCONUS job, you’ve placed yourself at risk for advancement. I’ve seen files of offi- Report Cycle Reqs Open cers who’ve “maxed” the branch qual- Cycle Months Begins For Fill Closeout ifying jobs, but done poorly in others, 02-92 FebIMar May 24 May 31 Jul91 and were not selected for CGSC, bat- 04-92 AprIMay July 26 July 30 Sep 91 talion command, etc. The moral is - 06-92 JunNul September 27 September 29 Nov 91 maintain a sustained high manner of 08-92 AuglSep November 29 November 31 Jan 92 10-92 OcWNov January 31 January 31 Mar 92 performance irrespective of assign- 12-92 DedJan March 27 March 29 May 92 ment; don’t just peak for the branch qualification jobs.

Figure 4 Nominative positions are non-troop assignments to commands that are au- thorized to screen potential assignees. If you have more than six years in Reserve Main). Any proposed as- The initial requirement is that the CONUS, you’re looking good for an signment that involves a STABREAK nominee be branch qualified. Unique OCONUS PCS soon; however, as we must meet a valid Army requirement requirements, such as grade point av- reduce OCONUS forces, the fre- and pass the “makes sense” test or erage, GRE score, manner of perfor- quency of OCONUS assignments will it won’t be approved. We won’t re- mance, etc., are also used by the gain- also decrease. TOS rules differ. In lease a request for orders (RFOs) ing command in approving nominees. CONUS, the goal is four years TOS. that requires a STABREAK until Most of the nominative positions we Most officers don’t serve the full four the STABREAK is approved. handle are in USMA, USAREC, years because of branch qualification, STABREAKs can take time and delay Cadet Command, PERSCOM, DA professional development (school RFOs, even though the assignment is se- staff,- and-a- joint -- staff. When an officer lection), etc. OCONUS long tours are a foregone conclusion,sion, and the the trans- is nominated for a position, we won’t normally three years, but if one has a portation appointmentment is fast ap considerconsiderhim him forfor, another position until fully funded PCS within the command proaching. the selection is nmade. Virtually all of (e.g., USAREUR), known as a COT- the nominations arei against FA, OlA, (consecutive overseas tour), then one Professional developmentvplnnmt-nt Aiwrtlvdirectly or,.- 02An3 A positions.rvro;~nno must serve a total of 48 months OC- affects assignments. Captains and ma- ONUS, unless a waiver, known as a jors will normally not be available for Joint assignments have their own stability break, or STABREAK, is ap nominative or non-troop assignments unique requirements. The vast major- proved. until after they are branch qualified. ity of joint positions are field grade We work very hard to assign officers jobs in functional areas. Minimum STABREAKs are used when TOS to locations where they have the op- joint tours are for three years unless will be less than that required by PCS portunity to get branch qualified. an officer is approved for a critical rules (i.e., four years CONUS, three Once that branch qualification is occupational specialty (COS) takeout years OCONUS long tour, one year achieved, officers are eligible for non- after the first two years of his initial OCONUS short tour, etc.). Approval troop functional area, 01A (branch joint tour. OJCS nominations are re- authority for STABREAKs runs the immaterial), or 02A (combat anns im- quired by law to have three candidates gamut from the chief of a merman- material) assignments. Sometimes, as for every position (unless one of the agement division to the Assistant Sec- mentioned earlier, we’ll put the cart candidates is a JSO already, then only .- .. 1 _I . .- .. . -> I ____.- ___ retary or me my\Manpower ana ~eroreme nome ana tiirgei a nun- two are required); all other joint nom-- inations require only one candidate. for example, normally are not admit- different CONUS and OCONUS as- Under the joint professional develop- ted into FA 49 (ORSA) or 52 (Nu- signments. We will stress the danger ment program, officers who are either clear Weapons)! You should also re- of homesteading to anyone who in- BZ selectees to major or due course, member that your functional area as- sists that he wants another five years first-look selectees for resident CGSC signment officer has a large part to at “good 01’ Fort Apache.” schooling are programmed, in most play in your assignments; if we get cases, for an initial joint tour before you for one key armor assignment, he “Blackbook” nominations are a spe- they are eligible for SSC. Officers may put a string on your services for cial category in that they are for as- who have earned the 3L (JSO) skill your next assignment. signments at the highest echelon of identifier, and meet all the criteria the military or the national govern- (i.e., JPME and full credit for an ini- We use timelines to plot the profes- ment. Examples are jobs in the Office tial joint tour) are eligible for future sional development of each armor of- of the Chief of Staff of the Army, Of- assignments to critical joint positions, ficer, second lieutenant through lieu- fices of the Secretary of the Army or but they must also serve a minimum tenant colonel (see Figure 2). Factored the Secretary of Defense, or in the Of- of three years in that assignment with into the timeline are PCS constraints fices of either the President or the no possibility of parole. (time-on-station), tour equity Vice President. Some blackbook nom- (CONUS vs OCONUS), the next pro- inations require discussion with the The Officer Personnel Management motion window, the next school win- officer, while others prohibit any dia- System (OPMS) codified the dual dow, and branch qualification require- logue. Virtually all of the blackbook track system, in which the majority of ments for both armor and the func- nominations come down as “shot- armor officers are “dual-tracked,” i.e., tional area. We use the timeline to de- guns,” and some officers, when ap- Armor (12) and a functional area. De- termine if a proposed assignment proved, must move with the speed of scriptions of each functional area and makes sense and meets the profes- light. A key point here is - don’t ask its professional development require- sional development needs of the offi- for a blackbook assignment. If your ments are found in DA Pamphlet 600- cer. As an example, many of the ma- file is supportive of a blackbook as- 3. Some of the functional areas re- jors attending CGSC require branch signment, and one opens up, and quire advanced civil schooling (ACS), qualification after they graduate, but you’re available, then you’ll be asked followed by a utilization tour. Once they only have two years left to serve (or told, as the case may be). an officer is “branch qualified“ in his as an S3 or XO before PZ to lieuten- functional area, he can expect repeti- ant colonel. Some of them still request The slating process for certain tive tours in that functional area when participation in the Advanced Military schools and commands can be high he’s not in an armor assignment. The Studies program (AMSP) at Fort adventure. For schools such as CGSC higher the rank, the more time you’re Leavenworth after graduation. The and SSC, we slate officers to the likely to spend in your functional AMSP consists of one additional year schools based on their professional area. Caution: Some functional areas of study at CGSC, followed by a one- development status, FAs, timelines, require a lot of time away from troop year utilization tour at either division and projected assignments. For exam- units. For example, an FA0 (FA 48) or corps level. Attempting to “flip- ple, a major enroute to CGSC who can receive two years of ACS, fol- flop” and go to a battalion first before has been a battalion S3 and completed lowed by a three-year utilization tour. serving the utilization tour is not guar- non-resident CGSC will be a prime If he then goes to CGSC, he’s spent anteed. Without branch qualification, candidate to attend either a foreign or six years away from troops. My ad- selection for promotion is much risk- sister service school. A lieutenant col- vice is to plot out potential timelines ier. In the example above, the timeline onel without a master’s degree will be based on your career aspirations and does not support AMSP and we’ll rec- a prime candidate for either Army or goals. Include in the timeline the man- ommend against it. Naval War College, whereas one with datory professional development a masters degree who is not a JSO is needed in both Armor and your func- “Homesteading” is defined as remain- likely to get slated for either National tional area. In choosing your func- ing in one place too long or having War College or ICAF. Slating for tional area, remember that the desig- repetitive tours to the same post or post-school assignments is also chal- nation is made in your fifth year of command. Homesteading is the antith- lenging. For CGSC graduates, those active federal commissioned service esis of tour equity. Selection boards requiring branch qualification are tar- and is based on needs of the Army, tell us that even the perception of geted against troop units, while those academic background and perfor- homesteading can disadvantage an of- who are already branch qualified, or mance, personal desires, and overall ficer, especially when, everything else with four years in their timeline be- manner of performance. Be reason- being equal, he’s being compared to fore PZ to lieutenant colonel, will able in your request - history majors, another officer who has a variety of probably be assigned to joint ARMOR - September-October 7997 45 MACOM or HQDA staff assign- you can tell each board member, re- the officer failed to meet standard and ments. SSC graduates without gardless of experience or branch, should not be selected. ARSTAFF experience are likely to about an individual’s performance and leam the Pentagon experience fmt- potential. The OER’s impact is enor- Most boards can spend only from hand, while most of the NDU gradu- mous, and its importance should never one and one-half to a maximum of ates will serve next in OJCS, DOD, be taken lightly. three minutes per file. Each OER is joint MACOMs, etc. Slating lieuten- printed on microfiche (except for ant colonels for battalion or squadron Write the OER as clearly and con- those that arrived in PERSCOM just command involves strict adherence to cisely as possible. Be succinct. Be before the board deadline and could guidelines established by both the clear - don’t write in ambiguous not be microfiched in time). Each CSA and the DCSPER. The officer’s terms. Don’t feel compelled to fill in board member will view at least 200- desires are a prime consideration, but every blank space with prose. Before 400 files per day on a microfiche when he’s been in CONUS for eight you sign the OER, read it as if you reader. With that in mind, OERs must to ten years and all he requests are were a selection board member. What be readable. Ensure the type on the CONUS units, he’s swimming up- impression of this officer do you gain OER is dark enough so it reproduces stream at flood stage because he’s a from the word picture that you’ve cre- well on the microfiche. Center your prime candidate for an OCONUS ated in the OER? narrative so the block‘s sides, top, and command. We don’t discuss list status bottom have plenty of space. Write with anyone before its release - pe- The OER must be error-free. Most the narrative so that the first and last riod. units don’t have world-class typists; sentences carry the gist of what you nonetheless, don’t give up and accept want to say. One last item on assignments. As any errors. Treat every OER that you mentioned earlier, we take validated sign as if it were your own. Ensure The senior rater (SR) profile, when requisitions and fill them with the best that social security numbers and the combined with the SR’s narrative, qualified and most available officer. OERs’ time periods are the same on conveys the total message of the rat- Once we release the FWO, the officer both the front and back of the form ing. If the words in the narrative are belongs to the gaining command. We (Make sure the name’s the same as not supported by the SR profie (i.e., do not pinpoint an officer’s assign- well). The current APm and outstanding narrative, but the SR pro- ment, that’s done by his gaining com- heighvweight data must be entered on fie is below center of mass [BCOMI), mand, which has the authority to di- the front side. Don’t use acronyms un- the board member receives conflicting vert him from the position originally less they’ve been spelled out earlier, signals. What is the SR trying to say; advertised. We do our level best to remember, many of the board mem- what is his intent? Virtually every DA ensure that officers are placed in posi- bers are not from Armor Branch and selection board comments that using tions that advance their professional may be ignorant of the acronyms we the second block as the SR’s center of development. It helps when the officer take for granted. mas (COW is the one profile least actively coordinates his assignment subject to misinterpretation. Boards with his gaining command. The current OER, DA Form 67-8, have also commented that a second remains a healthy and valuable tool to block COM rating fares better percep- selection boards: however, any entry tually than a third block COM. OERs in the rater’s portion other than a “1” in the professional competence block One of the most damaging events in OERs send a very strong message to (part IVa) on the front side, or ”box writing OERs occurs when the SR selection board members. Everyone check-offs” in the performance and loses control of his profile and inad- involved in the process, rated officers potential blocks (parts Vb and Vd) on vertently gives the rated officer a as well as rating officials, must under- the back, are serious discriminators. If BCOM report. I recommend that each stand thoroughly how OERs are used. you’ve left the professional ethics rated officer receive a face-to-face When you’re writing an OER, remem- block in part IVb blank, you’re send- counseling with his SR, during which ber that it’s a written communication ing a negative message to a board. the SR tells the officer what his pro- to a board. The OER speaks of an Any ratings in the rater’s portion that file is. SRs should keep their profiles officer’s performance and potential to deviate from what I’ve described updated - when in doubt, call every type of selection board, whether above do not meet the criteria to be PERSCOM’s Evaluation Systems Of- it’s a promotion, command, or reten- termed adverse, but the message re- fice at DSN 221-9659/60 or commer- tion board. In other words, an OER is ceived by any board member is that, cial (703) 325-%59 and ask for an a written instrument through which during this particular rating period, update. Don’t guess if you’re unsure 46 ARMOR - September-October 7991 - a mistake here, however innocent, fore your effective restart date, but it and other basic data to commanders, can inadvertently damage a career be- arrives in PERSCOM after the effec- personnel managers, and board mem- yond repair. tive restart date, the SR profile en- bers. Avoid acronyms or nonstandard tered on the OER will be the old one! abbreviations that don’t make sense I’ve seen several recurring problems Why? Your signature date determines - spell out duty titles and ensure with OERs received in Armor Branch. which SR profile will be used. they match the job titles on the OERs. One problem is caused by “batching,” Ensure also that the PULHES, which occurs when ‘any agency pro- Don’t use gimmicks such as under- heighvweight, and photo date are all cessing OERs for shipment to PER- lining, bold or italic print, compressed current and correct. HeighVweight SCOM fails to send them as they are letters, etc. The OER will be returned mismatches between OERs and ORBs received, but holds them until either a for correction (which may change the are a red flag to boards. Be patient; minimum number is reached or a cer- senior rater profile because of the SIDPERS can be maddening in its tain day arrives, at which time the time it takes to correct and return the slowness in updating or correcting “batch” is shipped to PERSCOM. If report). ORBs. Eliminate repetitive enhies in the SR is carefully managing his SR the assignment history portion. profile and rates officers based on SR intent can be clouded by an ap- when he signs the reports, batching parent disconnect between the SR Photos can defeat his intent. For example, a profile and the narrative. Great words COM report, signed on one day and such as “select for LTC and battalion Take one every five years or when then delayed in its shipment to PER- command ahead of his peers,” when promoted. If you’re prone to be SCOM as a result of “batching,” may combined with either a COM or heavy, keep it current. Wrinkled uni- really be a BCOM report because the BCOM SR profile, does not constitute form, improper branch brass (regi- SR profile is NOT updated on the day a credible report. SRs should also mental numbers or cavalry brass), an OER (or OERs) is signed, but focus their narrative on the rated etc., are all no-nos. Wearing unautho- when it’s processed by the PER- officer’s potential -just briefly com- rized awards will result in serious ad- SCOM Evaluation Systems Office ment on performance. If the officer is verse actions. Many board members (e.g., your SR signature date affects a close to or at the maximum allowable also comment on the negative effect profile restart, not the OER’s order of screen weight for his age and height, of a mustache. Take a friend to look processing). If the batch contains a but is in excellent physical shape, say through the lens of the camera before number of OERs from the same SR so! the picture is snapped; if he doesn’t who ended up rating other officers of like what he sees, get the problem the same rank higher, the COM report Finally, SRs do a disservice to their corrected. If the photographer isn’t can become a BCOM report. rated officers when OER timing pre- taping/clipping/smoothing your uni- cludes a SR rating. These “basic va- form to eliminate creases, wrinkles, SR profile restarts can also cause nilla” reports, especially in branch etc., he or she is doing you a disser- problems. If you call the PERSCOM qualifying positions, do not cany the vice, and every blemish will show up Evaluation Systems Office to restart same weight with board members as on the photo. Some official photos your profile, make a memo for record do similar reports with SR ratings (put make the officer look as if he had of the call, which covers which yourself in the same seat as a board slept in his uniform. Finally, don’t rank(s) you restarted and with whom member - perceptually, which report forget the edge dressing on the soles you coordinated the restart. CAU- will seem stronger: one with, or one of those otherwise shiny shoes. TION. A senior rater may selectively without, the SR rating?). Also, those restart one, two, or more grades. The SRs who are physically separated Things You Can Do choice is up to the senior rater. Senior from those whom they senior rate raters should NOT attempt to shift should make a conscious effort to Stay in touch with your branch as- philosophies in the field without a visitkontact those officers as often as signment officer. Keep him informed “DA-accomplished restart” because possible. Avoid the perception that of your current unit, job, address, and it’s risky and can hurt their rated offi- those in close proximity will do better phone number. Send in your prefer- cers. Restarts are always made effec- than those in the “outback.” ence statement after you’ve been on tive on the first day of the month and station at least one year. Be realistic are keyed to the senior rater signature ORBs in what you request (someone who date on the OER; therefore, it’s dou- had a 2.2 GPA in college probably bly important that senior raters always The ORB is an important manage- won’t qualify for fully-funded ACS in date their own signatures when sign- ment tool, which provides a “snap- nuclear physics): make your requests ing the OER. If you sign an OER be- shot’’ of the officer’s past assignments for your next assignment after you’ve ARMOR - September-October 7997 47 Rad DA Pam 600-3. If you’re pro- When you set foot on the ground at fill requisitions, but we’ll do every- jected to be reassigned by your func- your new assignment, the clock starts. thing possible and legal to match your tional area manager, remember that The type of assignment (COWS, desires with Army requirements. Armor Branch must be kept informed. long tour, short tour, all others, etc.) Battalion and brigade commanders determines when we look at your nor- “I thought you guys knew every- should let Branch know of any plans mal availability. When you go into a thing in PERSCOM...” See the above for an officer before we enter the branchqualifying job, we automati- paragraph - the truth changes (espe- standard assignment cycle; otherwise, cally begin tracking when you’ll be cially during periods of high adven- we may nominate the officer for an- available for a nominative job, which ture such as Operations DESERT other assignment. If he’s placed on or- requires branch-qualified officers. SHIELD and STORM). Many times ders, revocation becomes very diffi- “Laying low” doesn’t work, especially during the war with Iraq, we didn’t cult. Commanders should also tell because we may target you for one know where an officer was because Branch who they feel should be ob- job, when another, in which you’d be the SIDPERS was slow or nonexis- server/controllers at NTc/CMTC, who happier, is also available, but you’re tent. We sure won’t know if an officer should be small group instructors, etc. maintaining radio listening silence. is being considered for a second com- Your input helps us in planning as- Also, please let us know whenever mand - or a lateral transfer - with- signments! your status changes, such as marital out the officer or his unit/Gl telling status. If you marry another service us. Please keep us informed, or we’re Commanders should also endeavor member, enroll in the joint domicile forced to plan some assignments in a to give as many officers as possible program so we can coordinate with vacuum, or based on obsolete infor- the chance to serve in a branch quali- your spouse’s branch; otherwise, you mation. fying position. To assign a captain as could end up in separate locations, a battalion S3 precludes a deserving even when a joint domicile location “You guys maintain an informal major from a chance to get branch was available. order-of-merit list (OML) at Branch.” qualified. Unless the captain is pro- Absolutely not! The assignment offi- moted to major while in the job, Some officers also think that we cers get to know their population very Branch won’t always credit him with maintain a “Hit List” of those who’ve well and can identify quickly some of branch qualification; however, if a made our job very difficult. False - the “superstars” or “fast burners” as MACOM personnel manager sees on we maintain copies of phone conver- well as the “at-risk officers.” We do his ORB that he served as a battalion sations, memos and letters which re- NOT - words twice - we do NOT S3, he may serve his majority without late to professional development and maintain any OML, period. Only a any battalion-level assignments. assignments, etc., because we must be DA selection board (promotion, Would you like to compete for lieu- able to reconstruct what was said or CGSC, etc.) can establish an author- tenant colonel and battalion command promised. Regardless of how painful ized OML, and that OML is NOT under those conditions? Finally, an assignment may be, we do NOT shared with or used by Branch for CAS3 completion is mandatory for all keep a list for “payback.” If I or any- anything. If a “blackbook” nomination YG 79 and later officers before their one in PERSCOM found such a list, pops up, the assignment officer ana- ninth year of AFCS; otherwise, they the offender would be relieved im- lyzes the requirements and, knowing cannot be slated for CGSC atten- mediately. his population pretty well and know- dance, even if selected. ing who’s generally available and “But you said...” What an assign- meets the criteria, makes the match ment officer tells you one day may and runs it through the Branch Chief change the next; not because he for approval. We do not maintain an speaks with forked tongue, but be- OML or “favorite sons” roster. Let’s examine some of the myths cause the truth changes, based on any that circulate about how we operate. number of variables over which we ”There must be a secret code for the My favorite is, “If I don’t call Branch, may have no control. A job offered ‘superstud’ files.” Again, absolutely they’ll forget about me. If I do call, one day may be unavailable the next. not! No file has any special coding they’ll remember me and I’ll get the The selection criteria for a nominative such as a color stripe that screams first unpleasant job that comes up!” assignment may be changed five min- “here’s a fast burner!” We do use Branch does use automatic data pro- utes after the assignment officer talks temporary “flash” cards, which go in- cessing to keep track of our officers. to you. We deal in a system designed side the left side of the CMIF to iden- We maintain a current DTAV (Date and operated by humans -and it’s tify and highlight special considera- of Availability) roster for every grade. not perfect. Yes, we have pressures to tions, such as CGSC or command se-

48 ARMOR - September-October 1991 lectee, a BZ selectee (he loses one but every decision made is based on ing command - the one which re- year from his timeline), sequential as- the best information on hand. If you quested ACS to begin your FA 48 signment commitments, or joint duty, receive a “buckup” letter from the qualification. You figure that you’ll which precludes any reassignment branch chief based on a poor OER, invest two years in ACS, followed by without the concurrence of the joint start working on improving your per- a three-year utilization tour. Your management office. formance. Stay in touch! Sometimes DLAB score was 130. so language we’re overly committed to board training is a good possibility. Just The last myth deals with a “first preparation (ensuring your files are then, your phone rings. You answer it tm-second team” perception. Too ready and complete for the next and hear your assignment Officer say, many officers who did not deploy on scheduled board that affects your year “Hey, how’d you like to spend a year Operations DESERT SHIELD and group), making assignments, attending at the Defense Language Institute in DESERT STORM seem to think that meetings, TDY, etc. If we can’t talk the Presidio of Monterey studying they’re no longer competitive with to you at once, and you’re calling Mandarin Chinese with a follow-on their peers who were lucky enough to long distance at personal expense, assignment to the People’s Republic deploy. I strongly disagree with that give your name, phone number, and of China? ..Hello? .....Hello?!?!” perception. If you’ve got a solid file, reason for your call; we’ll return your you’re competitive with all of your call as fast as we can. Keep in mind contemporaries, regardless of combat that, in most cases, we’re only one experience. Eisenhower “missed” deep at each assignment desk. Colonel Stephen E. Wilson World War I because he spent the war is currently assigned as the in CONUS training soldiers. He per- If you haven’t acquainted yourself Chief, Operations and Con- severed, kept doing well, and got his with DA Pam 600-3, please break the tingency Plans Division, Of- chance later. History has a habit of re- seal and read the Armor and applica- fice of the Deputy Chief of peating itself. At least we’re still mov- ble functional area chapters. Look for Staff for Operations and ing ahead with promotions. At the end the new version, which should be Plans, Headquarters, Depart- of World War I, Marshall and others available in 1992. Once again, we use ment of the Army. Previously, went from colonel to captain - and DA Pam 600-3 to chart professional he sewed as the Chief, had to restart their climb back up the development requirements for each Armor Branch, PERSCOM; ranks. At the end of World War I1 and officer, which affects how we pro- commander, 3-32 and 2-67 Korea, officers were frozen in grade gram the next assignment to support Armor, 3d AD; XO, 3d Bde, for up to 10 years! Do your jobs to that professional development, Al- 3d AD; XO, 3-32 Armor, 3d the best of your ability and “keep though some of the criteria and/or re- AD; S3, 1-4 Cavalry, 1st ID your dauber up.” quirements in this article will change, and 1-17 Cavalry, 82d Air- how Branch operates won’t. borne Div.; and commander, Conclusions Troop B, 1-17 Cavalry, 82d It’s now 1930 hrs. and you’re trying Airborne Division and Troop The faces in Armor Branch change to get home for supper and a quick B, 1-1 Cavalry, America1 Divi- quite frequently, but the underlying nap before your 0200 UCOFT ses- sion. Other assignments in- goal of doing what’s right for armor sion. You’ve convinced the motor offi- clude instructor, US Army In- officers has not changed - and will cer that if you don’t get that 02-prior- fantry School; and S3 Air, 1st not change. We who are privileged to ity part for your tank NOW, he’ll be Bde, 1st AD and 1-17 Cav- serve as branch career managers well qualified to sing in the Vienna alry, 82d Airborne Division. fmly believe that we are here to help Boys’ Choir. You had a nice discus- Colonel Wilson is a 1968 both our officers and our Army. sion with your battalion commander graduate of the Virginia Mili- about what you need to do next and tary Institute with a BA in Remember also that when the you’ve just finished rereading the ap- History and an MPA from branch chief or an assignment officer plicable portions of DA Pam 600-3. Shippensburg University. He doesn’t tell you what you want to hear Because you served as a battalion S3 is a 1980 graduate of the - don’t shoot the messenger! Re- air for 18 months before taking com- Army Command and General Staff College, a 1983 gradu- gardless of how much it hurts, we are mand of your company, you know that committed to “telling it like it is” - you’re probably ripe to move when ate of the Armed Forces our best shot at predicting what may you relinquish command. You wonder Staff College, and a 1989 or could happen in an imperfect if Branch really read the preference graduate of the US Army world. We certainly make mistakes, statement you sent in right after tak- War College.

ARMOR - September-October 7997 49 FY 92 Upcoming Courses 19D Scouts New courses available for MOS 19D: et4551 Sheridan Course at Fort Knox, KY. *Battle Staff Course at Ft Bliss, Texas.

19D ANCOC FY 92 Class Dates *7 Feb-18 May 92 DTAFR Opens New E-Mail Hot Line 025 Aug-10 DM 92 BFV Master Gunner

The Directorate of Total Armor Force message choices to users calling from a Class Date Readiness (DTAFR) has been in operation touch tone phone. When these services be- - at Fort Knox since February 1990. Its pri- come available, DTAFR will notify you of 92-001 Oct-Dec 91 92-002 Jan-Mar 92 mary mission is to assist the Total Armor the exact operating features available. In 92-003 Mar-May 92 Force to achieve the highest state of readi- the interim, please feel free to use the ser- ness possible. To do this, DTAFR will as- vices currently available so that we may sist you in the areas of personnel, equip- provide you with any assistance you need 19E/K ment, training material, repair parts supply, in maintaining your readiness. and safety. DTAFR is not intended to cir- M1TC cumvent your normal chain of command, RC NCOES Training Class -Date but will help in instances when normal 92-001 14 OX-25 Oct 91 channels are working too slowly, or not at Reserve Component (RC) Armor and 92-002 27 ocl-8 NOV91 all. If it cannot immediately find an answer Cavalry NCOES training has undergone 92-003 11 NOV-22NOV 91 92-004 1 Dec-13 Dec 91 to your issue, it will track it until someone many changes in the last six years. Before 92-005 5 Jan-17 Jan 92 does have a solution. 1985, very little Armor training designed es- pecially for the RC NCOs existed. Today M1 Master Gunner Access to DTAFR is easy, 24 hours-a- there are both NCO Basic and Advance day. worldwide. Call DSN 464-TANK, or Courses for MOS 19E, 19K, and 19D. Class Date commercial 502-624-TANK. Your message These courses qualify the NCOs as tank 92-002 6 Jan-25 MW 92 will be recorded on a hot line, and a rapid commanders, vehicle commanders, and 92-003 2 Mar-18 May 92 response provided directly to you. DTAFR platoon sergeants. They indude such sub- 92-004 13 Apr-30 Jun 92 is also now available via electronic mail. jects as leadership, gunnery, tactics, land 92-005 1 Jun-18 Aug 92 The PROFS address is: navigation, maintenance, mine warfare, 92-006 13 JuI-29 Sep 92 NBC, and communications. The courses KNOl (TANKHELP) are conducted by both United States Army M1 Master Gunner Transition Reserve Forces Schools and National Clam Date The DDN address is: Guard Academies. Both the BNCOC- and 92-001 4 NOVd Dec 91 ANCOC-level courses use a combination of 92-002 10 Feb-11 Mar92 TANKHELP%[email protected] Inactive Duty Training (IDT) and Active Duty Training (ADT) phases. The IDT Some of the support that DTAFR pro- phases train Common Leader subjects (47- vided during Operations DESERT SHIELD hours BNCOC and 109-hours ANCOC). All and STORM are good examples of what it Armor Branch training is in the ADT field situational training exerciselevaluation. can do on a regular basis: coordinated phases. The two two-week ADTs can be combined emergency shipment of air panel markers into a single 23- ADT. There is no way to Southwest Asia (SWA). rapidly dissemi- Two RC ANCOCs are available, 19EM40 to complete both ADT phases in one 14- nated information to SWA on dangers of and 19040. Each course contains a single or even 17day period. This is outlined in tankers wearing jungle boots and coordi- IDT and two ADT periods. The requirement the Program of Instruction and Course nated contract reestablishment and emer- for l&Q two-week ADT periods is because Management Plan for each course. Any gency shipment of V-packs to units deploy- of the amount of material that must be cov- other changes to the courses must be pre- ing to SWA. These are only a few exam- ered. During each ADT. the soldier is approved by the Armor School. ples of successful missions that DTAFR trained in platoon-level tactics using the has accomplished to help armor and cav- "crawl-walk-run' method. He is taught the Three BNCOC-level courses currently alry units, Active and Reserve. basic principles of each subject in a class- exist: 19E30, 19K30. and 19D30 M113flTV. room setting where he completes written Both the 19E and 19K courses are under- In the near future. DTAFR will establish a and terrain board exercises. At the end of going major revisions. The ADT phases of 1-800 phone number to make access even each ADT phase, he must put the class- these two courses are almost entirely de- easier. The recorded hot line will also offer room lessons into practice during a 36-hour voted to tank gunnery. The revised ver- 50 ARMOR - September-October 7997 ~ ~~ ~ sions will train gunnery and tactics in a sin- The conference provides information on start of September. General Dynamics gle ADT. The tactics portion will stress the safety, leader development, baining, doc- Land Systems Division, which operated the tank commander's dein platoon-level op- bine, force structure, equipment, and mis- plant, will consolidate tank assembly at its erations and conclude with a field situa- sion support. National Guard and Resew Lima, Ohio, facility. The Detroit plant will tional training exerciselevaluation. It is pro- armor and cavalry officers and NCOs. and continue to produce gun mounts, with a re- jected that the new courses will be ready personnel who work in related areas. duced work force. for use in FY 92. Starting in FY 93, the Re- should plan to attend this update. serve Component Tank Commanders Some 44,649 tanks were produced at the Course (Gowen Field, Idaho) and Tank Personnel who plan to attend should pre- Detroit plant. With U.S. Army and foreign Commanders Certification Course (Fort register by contacting Cheryl Hawkins or military sales, GDLS should continue to Knox) will no longer be acceptable as sub- Troy Schaffner, Directorate of Total Armor prcduce M1-series tanks through the late stitutes for Phase II or Armor BNCOC. The Force Readiness, ATZK-TFR, at DSN 464- 1990s. student must attend a Phase II taught by a 71141 543 or commercial 502-624- USARF school or NG Academy. 71141543. Registration will be held from 1000-2100 hrs November 20, and 0700- Courses to support 19D Skill Level 3 are 0800 November 21-23 in Bldg. 2369. A no- Congratulations! being increased. Besides the 19D30 host social is scheduled for 1800-2000 hrs, M113/ITV course, the Armor School is de- November 20 in the Candlelight Room at Three army scout platoons were named veloping two more RC 19D BNCOCs, one the Officers Club, and a dinner buffet is the best in Europe at U.S. Amy. Europe's for M3 Bradley and one for HMMWV- scheduled for 1830-2200 hrs. November recent Cavalry Cup Competition. The units equipped soldiers. These will be ready in 21. in the Regimental Room. Tickets for the are 1st Platoon, A Troop, 1st Squadron, FY 92 and FY 93 respectively. dinner buffet will be available at registra- 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment; Scout tion. Platoon, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regi- ment, 8th Infantry Division; and Scout Pla- Military personnel may wear BDUs for all toon, 4th Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, Armor Trainer Update 8th Infantry Division. Conference events. The competition, held at Wildflecken The annual Armor Trainer Update Confer- Detroit Tank Plant Closes Training Area, tested competitors on physi- ence is scheduled for 20-23 November cal challenges, marksmanship, screen mis- 1991 at Fort Knox, Ky. The theme for this sions, zone reconnaissance. night dis- year's conference is "The Total Armor Tank assembly at the Detroit Arsenal mounted reconnaissance patrols, and other Force.' Tank Plant, Warren, Mich., ceased at the cavalry skills.

I LETTERS I criteria for promotion to master sergeant is These standards include the promotion pm- an individud so~dier'sdemonstrated poten- requisites already discussed. We believe tial for success as a first sergeant. It has that strict adherence to this policy will me- long been accepted with the Armor Force ate the opportunities for each of our quality concern is very real, and we would like to that far and away the best indicator of first NCOs to serve as a platoon sergeant. Sec- thank SFC Wells for providing the opportu- sergeant material (short of extended ser- ond, commanders and command sergeants nity to address this very important subject. vice as an acting first sergeant) is superior major at all levels must strive to place de- performance as a platoon sergeant. The serving NCOs into platoon sergeant posi- Let's start by saying that we continue to Armor Enlisted Professional Development tions and rotate them every 18-24 months. believe in and support the Master Gunner Guide recommends NCOs serve as platoon Last, the soldier, while continuing to de- Programs for both Abrams and Bradley. sergeants for 18-24 months in order to velop his technical, tactical, and leadership Well trained and motivated master gunners qualify for promotion to master sergeant. skills, should constantly seek the opportu- have significantly improved the gunnery The Armor Center briefs this recommenda- nity to serve as a platoon sergeant. Only if skills and combat readiness of the Armor tion to each selection board as they begin every player conscientiously strives to do Force. Overall, they have strengthened our deliberation. his part, can we reduce these occurrences. ability to close with and destroy the enemy. At least part of our success in the Gulf War For what may have been legitimate mis- Ow victory in the desert can be dted is because of the hard work and dedication sion-critical reasons, SFC Wells was not of- to having leaders in the 1970s and 1980s that master gunners demonstrated in train- fered an opportunity to serve the recom- able to look beyond their immediate con- ing Abrams and Bradley crews. The master mended period as a platoon sergeant. This cerns. Their foresight and determination gunner's role is vital to Armor's continued may affect his competitiveness for promo- helped build the highly trained. dedicated, dominance of the battlefield. tion. and professional force we fielded in the Persian Gulf. If we are to succeed in the Likewise, it is the experienced. seasoned - What can be done to minimize future silu- future, we must continue to do so. platoon sergeant who provides the leader- ations such as one in which SFC Wells ship at the cutting edge of the battle. Expe- found himself? We all play a part in the so- DENNIS H. LONG rience as a platoon sergeant is critical to lution. First, we at the Armor Center must COL, Armor the development of master sergeants and continually review and revise, as needed, Director, Total Armor Force Readiness first sergeants. Inevitably, the key selection the standards we set for our soldiers. Ft. Knox, Ky. ARMOR - September-October 7997 51 Assessing the Firepower Factor

Firepower in Umited War by euphoria. this Is a lesson that should not many. The Incautious reader can con- Robert H. Scales, Jr. Washington, DC: be soon forgotten by combat com- clude Great Britain caused World War 11. US. Government Printing Office, 1990. manders and policymakers alike. 291 pages. $9.50. Mr. Lamb writes a detailed historlcal Similarly, concerning the role of fire- narrative. He explores the impact of the power in future wars, Scales presents Locarno Treaty. the Ethiopia crisls, and As the dust settles from the recent equally cogent conclusions. A prospec- the Interrelationship of world politics Gulf War and we digest the multitude tive reader should not be misled by the and economies. Mr. Lamb takes the of 'lessons learned,' there Is imle ques- book's tile. The vast maJority of the reader Into the Inner workings of tion that overwhelming Allled firepower author's observations are equally appll- Britain's Foreign Ministry. He reveais played a decisive role in the smashing cable in any scenario, whether it be a back-channel messages, private letters, coalition victory. However, we must low-, mid-, or high-Intensity conflict. Ma- and diplomatic cables that formed place these 'lessons learned' concern- newer commanders must understand government pollcles and positions. Mr. ing firepower In a broader historical what fire support can and cannot do Lamb clearly teiis what happened in context to be totally useful and appli- for them. According to Scales, maneu- the work of British diplomacy and poli- cable. In General Scales' recent work, ver commanders must ensure that thelr tics. he provides this necessary historical per- fire support coordinators apply fire- spective on the rde of firepower in power in a judiclous manner, their But Mr. Lamb never ventures to tell the modern war. peacetime training must stress the de- reader WHY decisions were made, why centralization of the control of fire- pre-Hltler German governments re- Within the scope of his book, Scales power to the lowest level of operational ceived little support from Great Britain, reaches his conclusions by examining command possible, and they must de- why Great Briiain was anxious to ap- the employment of firepower in French velop closer Army-Alr Force ties. pease Hitler. The serles of British govern- Indochina, the American experlence in ments never articulated what today we Vietnam, the Soviet intervention In Af- The bottom line on the book, as a call vital national interests. Mr. Lamb's ghanistan, and the Britlsh expeditionary minimum, is that firepower is a 'must narrative clearly shows the British gov- efforts in the Falklands. Each of these read' for all combat arms officers. Fire- ernment failed to communicate to the four post-WWII case studles provides the power provides a vehicle for a serles of Germans and their allies its concerns on reader with a clear picture of the roles, useful OPD sessions In any maneuver German expansionism. This failure drove capabilities, and llmltatlms of firepower. unit. Maneuver commanders must Insist Mussolinl into the Axls camp, and that their fire support coordinators read caused the Soviets to cooperate with For mllltary historians, Scales' opening and understand General Scales' superb the Germans on Poland. chapter, 'Firepower In the American work. The time spent considering Fire- Way of War,' is a partlcularly Insightful power ultimately will lead to a more This Is a very Interesting book. For synthesis of the evolution of 20th cen- 'hlstorlcally minded' and better trained American readers. the utility Is the order tury firepower doctrine. Noted mllltary maneuver-fire support team. of the facts In the narrative. The book historian Gunther Rothenberg recently makes the reader think! Policy makers remarked to an Armor colleague of LESLIE HOWARD BELKNAP must clearly state national interests, and mine that this chapter was -as fine a CPT, Field Artillery executors must understand the nu- piece as he has read recently.' The Department of History ances of policy. This is not a book to reader will share Rothenberg's assess- United States Military Academy take to Graf. The serious student of our ment. It sets the stage well for the heart West Point, N.Y. profession can learn from this book, as of the work, the four case studies. In a narratlve of what happened and as partlcular. officers of the combat arms a catalyst for thought. team will benefit from Scales' observa- The Drift to War 1922-1939 by tions of the American Involvement in Richard Lamb, St. Martin's Press, New KEVIN C.M. BENSON Vietnam, the second of these case York, 1991.372 pages. $24.95. MAL Armor studies. Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. This Is a work of revisionist history. Mr. On our actions In Vietnam, he con- Lamb presents the reader an exhaus- cludes, 'If a single lesson Is to be tive series of facts that highlight the fail- The Last Prussian: A Biography learned from the example of Vietnam it ure of British Interwar policy toward Ger- of Field Marshal Gerd von Is that a finite limit exists to what mod- many. He leads the reader through the Rundstedt by Charles Messenger, ern firepower can achieve in limited incredible number of British govern- Brassey's. McLean, Va.. 1991. 321 war, no matter how sophisticated the ments during the interwar years. focus- pages. $24.95. ordnance or how Intelligently it is ap- ing on the policy - or lack of it - to- The half-centurythat has passed since plied.' Again, in spite of the post-war ward relations with Europe and Ger- the start of the Second World War has 52 ARMOR - September-October 7997 produced innumerable volumes about And he has combed the words of von Normally, anthologies are very uneven. the politlcs. battles, and leaders of that Rundstedt's contemporaries. friends, One or several of the essays will be out- epic struggle. Among the most admired and former enemies. With these admlt- standing. others are useful. and still oth- and least understood among the mili- tedly limited - and more often than ers are marginal at best. Building from tary leaders of the Third Reich has to be not second-hand - sources to go on, an outstanding individual effort In his Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt. Messenger has drawn a life-stze portrait. own work, The Rise and Fall of the There's a rather simple explanation for Great Powers, Professor Kennedy has this: unlike most of his fellow field mar- True, the portrait leaves much to the edited an excellent collection of essays shals, von Rundstedt neither kept a reader's imagination, as well as the by some outstanding scholars. This an- diary nor did he write an autobiogra- reader's willingness to believe the au- thology is more unified than many. The phy after the war. thor on the numerous occasions where authors of the essays use several com- he is left to conjecture 'von Rundstedt mon themes throughout the work. Only von Rundstedt's former chief of must have' done this, or 'had to have staff, General Guenther Blumentrttt. has thought' that. Thus, the book would not One of the most predominant themes written with any 'insider's' authority stand up in a court of law. it will not be Is the nonmilitary aspects of grand Won Rundsfedf: the Soldler and the regarded as the 'deflnltive' biography strategy and the importance of these Man, published in 1952). The Last Pm- of the man, for unless a miracle hap- to the overall success of the strategy. sian does not change this fact; Charles pens and a long lost diary is located, Another unifying theme is the problems Messenger Is not an 'Insider' because there isn't enough available information of a great power in a period of per- he was not present when von to know for sure what he thought. ceived decline. Rundstedt was chief of staff of a corps But given the available Information, In Grand Duke Karl's Army Group in the The book is divided into ten chapters. there's probably no one who will write First World War, nor when he was the Three deal with the British experience. commander of Army Group A, which a more definitive biography on the The first of these discusses the period of man who exemplified, in virtually every- broke through the Ardennes In May the War of Spanish Succession in the thing he did, the code of the Prussian 1940, nor when he was commander In early 1700s. The next two cover the Brii- chief of Amy Group South in the early, general staff officer. Above all else, the ish experience in the 20th century. Then heady days of Operation Barbarossa, struggle von Rundstedt faced between there are chapters on the Roman em- nor with him when he realized the war the values of his upbringing and the pire, imperial Spain in the mid-17th cen- was lost as commander in chief West in vaiues of the modern world makes The tury, Germany under the Second Reich the final dark days in France, Belgium, Last Pmlan worth reading. He knew and the Third Reich. French grand strat- that Hitler was using him, but was unwill- and finally In Germany itself. egy prior to the First and Second World ing to become personally involved in Wars, and finally the Soviet Union. But Messenger is an accomplished his- politlcs. Instead. he decided to stick it out and do the very best job possible. torian and author wlth numerous books Professor Kennedy uses the first chap- on World War I1 to his credit. More im- to uphold the honor and the code of being a soldier, and to ensure the sol- ter to introduce the themes he asked portant, he knows flrst-hand about his collaborators to focus on and to which he writes, for he was for many diers entrusted to his care got the very best he had to offer. lead us toward a broader definition of years an officer in the Royal Tank Regi- what the term grand strategy really ment. The author clearly admires von means. He then returns in the last chap- Rundstedt. But he doesn't shy away ter to illuminate some of the more co- These contradictions give The Last gent lessons from the European experl- Prussian its schizophrenic character. it is from the harsh judgment that must be passed on a man who had numerous ence for America today and in the fu- difficult enough to try and examine a ture. man through the lens of history when opportunities to change the course of German - and world - history, a man we have first-hand sources that tell us The second reason for the diflicuity In something about the man and his who had the prestige and influence, If reviewing this work Is its focus on grand times. But we are left with only a anyone inside Nazi Germany did, but when strategy. As a student of history, I found lens that sheds an Irregular pattern of chose to ignore the changed reality and to continue to apply 19th century the book both fascinating and worth- light and dark on the subject. the mls- while, however, to the broader Armor sion becomes almost Impossible. standards to 20th century problems. community the book contains issues to DONALD C. SNEDEKER which we have little input. To the serious Nevertheless, Messenger has done a LTC, Armor student of either history or strategy. I valiant job in assembling what Is avail- On-Site Inspection Agency highly recommend it as an outstanding able. He has obtained the few still exis- Europe collection; to the average Armor tent letters the field marshal wrote to his leader, it would be an interesting break family during the war, as well as copies Grand Strategies in Peace and from the tactical and technical reading of the efficiency reports written by von on which we normally concentrate. Rundstedt's superiors throughout his ca- War. edited by Paul Kennedy, Yale Uni- reer. He has delved into the records of versity Press, New Haven, Conn. 1991. the Nuremberg war crimes trials, where SFC JOHN T. BROOM the field marshal appeared as a witness An anthology Is always a dimcult book US. Army Armor School for the defense on several occasions. to review. This anthology Is doubly so. Ft. Knox. Ky.

ARMOR - September-October 1991 53 NEW SOVIET ARMORED VEHICLES BMP-3 T-80U

CHARACTERISTICS

BMP-3 1-80U ~

MAIN ARMAMENT tOOmm MAIN GUN. 30mm CANNON. 125mm MAIN GUN

MACHINE GUNS 2 X 7.62mm BOW MOUNTED. I X TURRET COAX a.rmm ON TURRET + 1.6m~COAX

SPEED 65 kplh 70-10 kplh

RANGE 500 km MIN 480 km

cnEw SIZE 3- COUMAHOER. GUNNER. DRWERIYECHANIC 3- TANK COMYANOER. GUNNER. DRlVERlMECHINlC

PISSENGERS 6 MIN

WBC PROTECTION YES "ES

I

latest in a series on Threat tanks, armored vehicles, heli- ers, and ATGMs to be produced by Threat Division, Di- PIN: 068749-000 orate of Combat Developments, Fort Knox. Units may re- US. Government Printing Omce 1991